Decade on, 8-km bridge over Lidder stream awaits completion

Anantnag, Nov 22: In 2002, the government approved an 8-km-long Bhagwani bridge over the Lidder stream, a major tributary of the Jhelum River in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

The project aimed to connect several villages in the Sallar area of the Duchnipora belt in Pahalgam with those in Aishmuqam in Khuvripora.

Work on the project began in 2010 under the Jammu and Kashmir Project Corporation (JKPCC) during Omar Abdullah’s tenure as Chief Minister.

Despite an initial completion deadline of 2012, delays pushed the project’s conclusion to 2014, costing Rs 8.39 crore.

However, the bridge remained inaccessible as the approach roads on either side were not completed.

The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department was tasked with constructing these approach roads.

While the 500-meter stretch connecting Sallar to Bhagwani was finally completed this year, the approach road on the opposite side remains unfinished.

The 3-km-long Aamad-Aishmuqam road, approved under NABARD three years ago with an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore, has been under construction for two years but is yet to be completed.

Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of Pahalgam Subdivision, Rayees Ahmad, cited a bottleneck at one spot as the reason for the delay.

“The delay was due to encroachments by some households who had taken the matter to court. The stay has now been vacated, and the Revenue Department has conducted a demarcation,” he said.

AEE assured that the obstruction would soon be resolved, and work on the remaining 180 meters stretch would resume shortly.

He, however, said the entire 3-km road is expected to be blacktopped only next year.

Villagers say that the bridge will remain ineffective unless the Aamad-Aishmuqam approach road is completed.

“The villages will only be connected once this road is built,” said Ghulam Muhmad of Padun village.

For the lack of connectivity, villagers have to traverse long distances to reach Sallar or Aishmuqam.

“We face immense hardships, especially during emergencies, as patients often have to be carried on cots to reach hospitals,” said Muhammad Akbar of Batpora village.

The villagers also lament the absence of public transport due to the poor road network.

“We appeal to the authorities to expedite the construction and make our villages accessible,” Akbar said.