Pulwama, Aug 25 (KNO): Residents of Darbagh Watchi area of Zainapora sub-division in South Kashmir’s Shopian district and Rakh area of Pulwama have reiterated their demand for the construction of a concrete bridge over the Ranbiara rivulet at Rakh Pulwama.
Locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that despite being sanctioned last year, no progress has been made on the bridge project.
They said that the proposed bridge would connect both areas directly as the agricultural land of residents fall on either side of the rivulet.
Basharat Ahmad, a local resident, said the absence of a permanent bridge has caused immense hardships. “Every year, we construct makeshift bridges on our own, but they get washed away frequently. This leaves us disconnected and in trouble, especially during emergencies,” he said.
He added that a permanent bridge would provide the shortest and most convenient route for Darbagh residents to connect with Anantnag, Pulwama and Srinagar while Rakh residents would get easier access to Shopian.
Another local, Zameer Ahmad, highlighted the difficulties faced by vulnerable groups. “Elderly people, women and children face the worst hardships. In case of medical emergencies, the situation becomes very risky. A concrete bridge is the only permanent solution,” he said.
Residents also expressed concern over the safety of school children who are forced to cross the river using unsafe makeshift wooden planks. “This is an accident waiting to happen,” one local said.
They lamented that despite repeated appeals over the years, no concrete steps have been taken despite sanctioning of the project. “The government has spent lakhs on other developmental works but has failed to construct this much-needed bridge,” the locals said.
Urging swift intervention, the residents appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, concerned MLAs and the Deputy Commissioners of Shopian and Pulwama to take note of their long-pending demand. “We hope the authorities will start work on the project at the earliest so that the locals can heave a sigh of relief,” they added—(KNO)