14 years on, bridge in Kulgam’s Vilgam awaits completion

Kupwara, Aug 26: The residents of Bangergund and adjacent villages in Vilgam area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have expressed strong resentment against authorities for failing to complete the bridge causing immense hardships for the locals.

The residents said that the bridge was approved long ago but after the passage of fourteen years, it was yet to be completed raising concern among the locals. "The bridge has been sanctioned a decade ago but has been left half way due to reasons best known to the concerned authorities," said a local.

"The bridge once completed would be a big boost to horticulture sector of the area and would connect several villages" he added. “With the completion of this bridge, it will significantly shorten the distance between several villages and help commuters reach their respective destinations in the shortest possible time,” said another local.

The residents said that following repeated pleas to the successive dispensations, the bridge was sanctioned, but after a decade, the bridge was yet to be completed which speaks about the callous approach of the officials at the helm of affairs. The residents said that they went from pillar to post for redressal of their genuine grievance but to no avail. Now they have sought immediate intervention of MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone in this matter so that the bridge is completed and their hardships may end.

DDC Member Ramhall Advocate Ulfat said that a fresh tender of the bridge has been floated by the concerned department and hopefully by the end of this year, it will be dedicated to public.