Srinagar, Dec 03 (KNO): The inordinate delay in the construction of a footbridge over the river Jhelum at Pantha chowk has left the local residents anguished, who according to them are being forced to use the shikaras to cross the water body.
Pertinently, the local said the construction work on the footbridge was started in the year 2017. However, according to them, the work remained unfinished, forcing the locals to rely on the boats to cross the river Jhelum, which puts a risk to the lives of the people.
The incomplete project poses daily challenges for commuters and raises concerns about potential disasters, especially during adverse weather conditions.
As per the details with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), despite years of work, only the stairs and fencing of the bridge have been completed, with ongoing construction progressing at a sluggish pace.
The residents are now urging authorities, including PWD Minister, MLA Lal Chowk, and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar to intervene into the matter and expedite the process.
“The lack of a proper crossing is a disaster waiting to happen. We have to rely on boats, which is unsafe, especially for children and the elderly,” said a local resident.
He said despite the incompleteness of this bridge we are now forced to travel from two shores of Jhelum via boat, which is a threat to life, another local said.
Meanwhile, DC Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-din as per KNO said that the work on the said bridge is going on and it will be formally thrown open to the public by this week.
“The work on the said bridge is going on and will be formally thrown open to the public by this week. Visited personally last month to check the progress. We are committed to complete all incomplete projects in srinagar,” Dr Bilal wrote on X—(KNO)