Boat capsizing: Some serious questions float

Tragedy struck in Gandbal area in Srinagar, on Tuesday morning as a boat capsized in river Jhelum. The incident sent shockwaves all around, as some school children also drowned to death.

According to authorities six persons died in the mishap, three others are missing, while six persons were rescued. There are some serious question that surface up in the wake of this tragic incident.

The immediate question people ask is about the delay in the construction of the footbridge at the spot. The locals say that the lives could have been saved if the work on the under-construction footbridge over the river was completed.

This footbridge connects Gandbal with Batwara. According to the locals the work was started around a decade back, and is yet to be completed for the reasons not known. In absence of the footbridge the residents, including school children of the area, have to use boats to cross the river and reach Batwara. This callousness of the officials came to light after the tragedy.

There are reports that the same dilly dally approach is being adopted in the completion of other bridges at some other places. The concerned authorities must adopt a serious approach in getting these incomplete construction works completed.

The residents of these areas have a genuine grievance on this count and they feel discriminated against. They say while thousands of crores are being spent on the development and beautification of parts of the city, why can’t their basic needs be met.

Today some political parties announced suspension of their election campaigning in Srinagar due to the tragedy. Symbolism is not always bad, and seeking votes is their democratic right. But do these politicians really care about these people after getting their votes.

These politicians too have a responsibility towards people, while in power or out of power. Do they fulfil those responsibilities?

They should seriously reflect on how they respond to people’s genuine needs. While we mourn the death of children in this incident, we all need to fix the responsibility.