Bandipora village awaits footbridge over Jehlum, locals rue official apathy

Bandipora, Jan 14: In the absence of a footbridge over the Jehlum in Bakshibal village in the Sumbal division of north Kashmir's Bandipora district, precious lives have been lost due to drowning incidents.

Repeated pleas from inhabitants for a footbridge have gone to deaf ears and now locals have urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene to fulfill their long-standing demand.

"We need a footbridge on the river to cross over. Every time the water level increases it creates panic," Hameeda Begum, a local woman said. She added, "We live in constant fear that the boats we use to cross might capsize, risking the lives of our children and elders."

Muzamil Ahmad Dar from Banyari Garbi, located on the opposite side of the river, said, "We request the government to address our concerns.". He added, "The river is the only route that connects these two villages, and boats are the only means of maintaining this link."

He said the river crossing in boats has proven deadly, as there have been many incidents where villagers, and even children got drowned.

"We can count our dead on our fingers. Most of the lives have been lost as the boats capsize," he said. Another resident Abdul Ahamd Dar saw his two children become victims of drowning as well.  "We are demanding a bridge from the government, particularly CM Omar Abdullah to avoid further loss of precious lives." He said, "The CM must pay heed to our humble pleas as we have several times moved in applications to the concerned officers, but the requesters haven't been entertained due to apparent lack of interest." "Even after moving in applications," Dar said around two to four deaths have occurred due to drowning in the same river.