Abandoned bridge project in Nunwani Brakpora leaves locals stranded
Residents seek immediate intervention
Anantnag: An incomplete bridge project in the Nunwani Brakpora area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has become a major source of hardship for the local population, with residents alleging official apathy and prolonged neglect.
The bridge construction, which began as far back as 2012, was taken up by the Public Works Department (PWD) under the NABARD scheme but was inexplicably, abandoned midway, leaving the project unfinished for more than a decade.
According to locals, the bridge was envisioned as a vital link for several villages, meant to ease daily commuting and improve connectivity to markets, schools, health facilities and administrative centres. However, the stalled work has instead turned into a daily struggle for commuters, especially students, elderly people and patients.
“The bridge was supposed to change our lives, but it has only added to our misery,” said a local resident. “For the past many years, we have been risking our lives every day while crossing the area, particularly during rains and winter when the situation becomes extremely dangerous.”
Adding to the woes, the approach road connected to the bridge is in a severely dilapidated condition. Potholes, uneven surfaces and lack of proper maintenance have increased the chances of accidents.
Locals say that two-wheelers and pedestrians face the highest risk, while vehicles often get stuck or damaged due to the poor road condition.
“A simple journey has turned into an ordeal,” another resident said. “Children going to school and patients heading to hospitals suffer the most. If an emergency arises, it becomes very difficult to reach the main road on time.”
Residents allege that despite repeated representations to the concerned authorities, no concrete steps have been taken to revive or complete the project. “We have approached officials several times, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears,” said a local elder.
“The project was started, funds were sanctioned, yet no one is accountable for why it was left unfinished.”
The unfinished structure, locals fear, also poses a safety hazard, particularly for children. “The half-built bridge stands like a silent threat,” a woman resident said. “Any mishap can happen, and the authorities will only wake up after a tragedy.”
The people of Nunwani Brakpora have now strongly urged the district administration and the PWD to take immediate cognizance of the issue and complete the bridge on a priority basis. They say timely completion of the project would not only ease their daily hardships but also restore normalcy and improve overall connectivity in the area.
“We are not asking for something new; we are only demanding completion of what was promised to us years ago,” residents said, appealing to the authorities to end their long wait and ensure that this long-pending public welfare project is finally brought to completion.
