Years on, Pantha Chowk-Summerbugh foot bridge still incomplete

Srinagar, Apr 18:  In the aftermath of Gandbal incident, residents of Pantha Chowk and Summerbugh have expressed strong resentment against inordinate delay in completion of a foot bridge connecting the twin localities.

Residents said that Pantha Chowk-Summerbugh the bridge aimed to give risk free access to locals. The locals said that since 2016 the work on the bridge is witnessing roller coaster ride. Over the past few days after boat capsize incident at Gandbal consumer precious lives, the locals in these twin area resented the delay in completion of the bridge.

“It seems authorities are waiting for another tragedy. Scores of residents in our area cross Jhelum in boats with the help of a rope in the same way boats at Gandbal crossed. There is a risk to people who use boats to cross the river. We appeal to authorities to complete the project without further delay,” Sajid Ahmad, a local, said.

The locals said that scores of students, office goers and others use boats to cross the Jhelum. They said that despite repeated requests of the locals, the administration is unmoved.

“Many times critical patients face inconvenience in absence of this bridge. If tragic incidents like Gandbal did not wake us up, what else will? Since the day the incident happened, we are unable to sleep, thinking this could have been us. As a parent it is heartbreaking that we are risking the lives of our children,” said another aggrieved.

The locals have written to district administration many times but to no avail. They said that the majority of the work has been completed but for the want of final work, the project is lingering.

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat said that all these bridges including Gandbal bridge will be completed soon.

"Administration has already cleared through the media that all these projects will be completed soon. All these projects are in line and will be completed accordingly," Bhat said.