14 years on vital bridge on Jehleum in Awantipora awaits completion
Awantipora: Strange it may sound but a vital bridge on river Jhelum located at Reshipora in Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district is awaiting completion even after 14 years since its foundation stone was laid.
Locals said that the foundation of the bridge was laid in year 2008 during PDP-Congress regime, however, since then 14 years have passed but 60 percent work hasn’t been completed yet.
Altaf Ahmad, a local auqaf member of Reshipora village said that in absence of a bridge, people have to tread around 10 kilometres to reach the Highway which otherwise is just half a kilometre away from their village.
He said that if thebridge will be completed, this will connect Tral area with Shahoora area in Pulwama and shorten their travel distance by several kilometers.
Another local said he donated his land for the construction of bridge but since then over a decade has passed but nothing has been done on ground.
He added that in order to reach school or college, the children have to cross the river Jhelum using a boat and this can prove dangerous anytime.
The locals said that they have knocked the doors of every authority in this regard but to no avail.
The locals alleged that some officials recently claimed that the proposal may witness some changes.
“We are surprise to know as to why it took so long for the authorities to have a rethink over the proposal,” the locals rued.
They once again requested higher ups to look into the matter and resume construction work on the bridge so that locals can heave a sigh of relief.
An official said that the proposal on the construction of the bridge has been and instead of a plate bridge a truss bridge is being constructed over the river.
He said that file is lying at approval level and once it happens construction work will soon bbe staretd.
Jahangeer Ganaie
