Pulwama, Jul 30 (KNO): Residents of Bagandar village in the Satoora area of Tral subdivision in South Kashmir's Pulwama district have appealed to the administration to construct a permanent bridge over a local nallah, saying the lack of a proper crossing has left the area cut off for years and continues to endanger lives.
Villagers while talking to the the news agency—Kashmir News Observer said that although a road project has been sanctioned for the area, its purpose cannot be fulfilled unless a bridge is first constructed across the stream.
"A road without a bridge is of no use. The bridge is the missing link that will connect our village with the rest of the area," residents said, urging the authorities to prioritise the project.
According to locals, the absence of a permanent bridge has severely affected their daily lives, particularly during the summer months when the water level in the nallah rises. They said the temporary wooden structure currently being used is frequently washed away, leaving the village disconnected from nearby areas.
Tanveer Ahmad, a resident, said the situation becomes particularly alarming during medical emergencies. "Patients often have to be carried on shoulders across the stream because vehicles cannot reach them. Students also suffer immensely as many are unable to attend school regularly due to the unsafe crossing," he said.
He added that several people have sustained injuries over the years while attempting to cross the nallah, but despite repeated appeals, no concrete action has been taken by the concerned authorities.
Residents said they have approached various government departments and officials on numerous occasions, requesting the construction of a permanent bridge, but their demand has remained unresolved.
"The bridge is not a luxury but a basic necessity. It will ensure safe movement for schoolchildren, patients, elderly people and farmers, besides improving access to essential services," they said.
The villagers also expressed disappointment over what they described as years of official neglect despite their active participation in democratic processes and government programmes.
"We have always fulfilled our responsibilities as citizens by participating in elections and supporting government initiatives. In return, we only seek basic infrastructure that every village deserves," they said.
Residents have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Tral MLA Rafiq Ahmad Naik and Deputy Commissioner Pulwama to personally intervene and expedite the construction of the bridge.
They said the proposed road project would only become meaningful once the bridge is completed, urging the administration to treat the issue as a priority in the interest of public safety and development—(KNO)