Two decades on, Sempora Srinagar Bridge still incomplete
Locals decry daily hardships
Srinagar: Despite the passage of over two decades, the much-needed bridge at Sempora in Srinagar remains incomplete, leaving residents grappling with severe hardships in their daily lives.
The bridge, which was sanctioned years ago to provide smooth connectivity for the people of the area, has turned into a symbol of official apathy.
Locals said that the incomplete structure has become a nightmare, especially in times of emergencies.
“Twenty years is not a short time. Generations have grown up waiting for this bridge to be completed, but it seems the authorities have forgotten about us,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Sempora.
“During medical emergencies, shifting patients to hospitals becomes very difficult. Many lives have suffered because of this delay,” he said.
Students and office-goers are among the worst affected. “Every single day, we struggle to reach our schools and colleges on time. We are forced to take longer routes, which not only wastes time but also adds to our expenses,” said Shazia, a college student from the area.
Shopkeepers and transporters too have voiced their frustration. “Because of the incomplete bridge, business in this area has been badly affected. Customers prefer to avoid this route, and goods transportation becomes costly and time-consuming,” said Ghulam Nabi, a local shopkeeper.
Residents said they have repeatedly raised the issue with concerned authorities but only received assurances with no visible progress. “Officials come, inspect, and promise that work will resume soon. But the promises never translate into action,” said Farooq Ahmad, another local.
He said that around 80 percent of the work has been already completed but no work has done for years together
The locals have appealed to the government to take immediate steps to resume and complete the pending construction of the bridge, which they believe will change the face of the area by improving connectivity, trade, and access to healthcare.
“Enough is enough. We cannot wait another decade for what should have been completed long ago. The government must take urgent steps,” the residents said.
