15 years on, vital bridge on Jhelum in Awantipora awaits completion
Awantipora: Even after a lapse of around 15 years, a vital bridge on river Jhelum at Reshipora in Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district is awaiting completion.
Locals said that the foundation of the bridge was laid in 2008 during PDP-Congress regime, however, since then 15 years have passed but 60 percent of the work is yet to be carried out.
Mohammad Rafiq a local Auqaf member of Reshipora village said that in absence of the bridge, they have to travel for around 10 kilometres to reach the Jammu-Srinagar Highway which otherwise is just half a kilometre away from their village if the bridge cold have been completed providing connectivity to their area.
“If the bridge will be completed, this will connected Tral with Shahoora area in Pulwama and shorten their distance by many kilometers,” he said.
Since last 15 years dozens of bridges have been completed in the district but due to unknown reasons, this one has been left out, he said.
Another local said that he donated his land for the construction of the bridge but since then over a decade has passed but nothing has been done on ground.
He added that in order to reach their school or college, the children have to cross the river Jhelum sing a boat which could prove dangerous anytime.
The locals said that they have knocked the doors of every authority in this regard but on ground nothing happened.
“We have even met, ministers, advisors of LG and other officials in this regard but their assurances have also proved hoax,” they added.
They said that there is no transport service available in the area due to which local people are suffering and it can be started only when the bridge will be completed.
The locals once again requested higher ups to look into the matter and resume work on the bridge so that locals can heave a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, an official said that there is change in the proposal of the bridge.
“Now authorities have decided to construct a truss bridge instead of plate bridge,” he said.
He said that file is lying with officials but it hasn’t been approved yet.
“Work on the bridge will be started once new proposal will be approved,” he added, wishing not to be named.
Jahangeer Ganaie
