Bijbehara's Waghama residents concerned over unsafe bridge

Bijbehara, Oct 30: A bridge connecting multiple villages at Waghama village of south Kashmir's Bijbehara area posses a significant risk, endangering the lives of commuters.

The bridge serves as a crucial link between Takibal, Shaligam, Sirhama, Marhama and several other villages.

According to the residents, the bridge was constructed decades ago and is lying in a run-down state for the past few years.

"Even the authorities have declared it unsafe for the heavy vehicles a few years ago," said the residents.

However, according to the residents, the fruit laden lorries, tippers and earthmovers continue to ply on the bridge round the clock.

"It could collapse at any time and result in a major tragedy," said the residents.

They said that the authorities placed a sign stating " unsafe for heavy vehicular traffic", but took no further action to address the risk. " This is all what they did," said the residents.

As the bridge is frequently used by the heavy duty vehicles, the residents fear that the risk of accidents increases with each passing day.

Mohammad Sikander Das, Lumberdar of the village said that the government must take immediate action to replace the bridge and ensure the safety of commuters. " We hope that the newly elected government prioritise the construction of the bridge," said Das.