Bridge sanctioned a year ago in Pulwama, but work yet to start: Locals
Residents seek urgent government intervention
Pulwama: Residents of Rakh in Pulwama district and Darbagh Watchi in Shopian have once voiced strong concern over the delay in the construction of a much-needed concrete bridge over the Ranbiara rivulet, alleging that despite the project being sanctioned nearly a year ago, civil work has not been started.
The proposed bridge, which is expected to connect the two areas directly, has been a long-standing demand of local residents who rely on the route for access to their agricultural lands, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and major towns across South Kashmir.
According to locals, the bridge was approved by the authorities last year, raising hopes among residents that their decades-old connectivity issues would finally be resolved. However, they said that no visible progress has been made since then, leaving people disappointed and frustrated.
Residents stated that the absence of a permanent bridge continues to force them to depend on temporary makeshift structures that are often erected by the local community at their own expense. These fragile crossings, they said, are frequently washed away during periods of high water flow, cutting off access between the two sides of the rivulet and causing immense inconvenience.
Ishfaq Ahmad, a resident of the area, said the bridge is not merely a developmental project but a basic necessity for hundreds of families. He noted that every year villagers are compelled to construct temporary crossings, only to see them damaged or swept away due to adverse weather conditions.
“The delay in execution of the sanctioned project has prolonged the suffering of residents. A permanent bridge would provide reliable connectivity and save people from recurring difficulties,” he said.
Locals explained that the bridge would significantly reduce travel distances for residents of Darbagh, enabling quicker access to Pulwama, Anantnag and Srinagar. Similarly, people living in Rakh would benefit from easier connectivity to Shopian district.
Another resident, Gowhar Ahmad, said the lack of proper infrastructure particularly affects vulnerable sections of society, including elderly citizens, women and children. He pointed out that emergencies often become challenging when transportation routes are disrupted due to the absence of a permanent crossing.
Residents also expressed serious concern about the safety of school-going children who are often forced to cross the rivulet through unsafe wooden planks and temporary structures. They warned that the situation poses a constant risk and could lead to a tragic accident if timely action is not taken.
“The bridge has already been sanctioned, but the delay in starting work has left people questioning why such an important public project remains stalled. The authorities must explain the reasons behind the delay and ensure immediate commencement of construction,” a local resident said.
The residents further said that the bridge would not only ease transportation but also boost economic activity by facilitating easier movement of farmers to their agricultural fields situated on both sides of the rivulet.
Urging the administration to intervene, locals appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, concerned legislators, and the Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama and Shopian to personally look into the matter and ensure that work on the project begins without further delay.
