17 years on, Langate Tulwari bridge remains incomplete; residents suffer
Kupwara, May 2: Residents of Tulwari and adjacent areas in Langate area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district are up in arms against the Roads and Buildings Department (R&B) alleging it of failing to complete the under-construction bridge over Nallah Mawer, despite the passage of 16 years since its construction was taken in hand. The inordinate delay has resulted in enduring hardships for the locals of over two dozen villages, who are now demanding immediate action to complete the bridge, which can end to their prolonged sufferings.
The incomplete bridge has severely impacted the daily lives of the people, who are forced to navigate treacherous terrain and face increased travel times. Residents said that the bridge which was sanctioned in 2008 has never remained priority for the concerned officials, with the result the construction of the bridge was yet to be completed even after the passage of seventeen long years.
They said that the bridge once completed would be a big boost to horticulture sector and would connect several villages of Langate Tehsil and Mawer area together.
“With the completion of this bridge it would significantly shorten the distance between several villages and will help commuters to reach their respective destinations in shortest possible time,” said a local, Bilal Ahamd. They said after repeated pleas to successive dispensations, the bridge was sanctioned but after passing of seventeen years, the bridge has not been completed which speaks about the callous approach of officials at the helm of affairs. “At the outset construction work of the bridge took a rapid pace but then with the passage of several months, it dropped considerably and later neither the men and machinery nor the concerned officials could be seen any more,” said another local of the area. Residents said that they went from pillar to post so that their genuine grievances are addressed but to no avail. They have sought immediate intervention of MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed in this matter to get their grievance redressed.
