Residents of Lolab area rue delay in construction of bridge

Kupwara, Nov 15: The residents of Shatmuqam and other adjacent villages have expressed strong resentment against authorities for failing to repair the bridge, causing immense hardships to the people.

The residents said that the bridge was damaged six months ago due to flash floods and since then it has not been repaired even after they approached concerned authorities several times.

“This bridge is considered to be a vital one, connecting residents of over a dozen hamlets but I am unable to figure out why authorities have failed to repair this bridge,” said a local resident.

“Following damage to this bridge due to flash floods in April this year, authorities suspended traffic over it with the result commuters are forced to take other routes making their travel time consuming,” he added.

The residents said that lack of maintenance of this vital bridge has caused significant loss to their business, particularly for those dependent on efficient road links for their businesses.

“The distance to Krusan happens to be only two kilometers away but with traffic suspended on Shartmuqam bridge we are forced to take an alternative route by travelling 5 kilometers to reach Krusan. Over six months have passed yet no action has been taken by concerned authorities to repair the bridge and address the grievance of people,” the residents added.

The residents have now sought intervention of MLA Lolab Qaiser Jamsheed Lone in this regard so that the hardships being faced by people may end.