After the loss of lives in a boat capsizing mishap in river Jhelum at Gandbal in Srinagar in April this year, the focus had shifted on the incomplete, under-construction bridges over rivers and nallahs. At Gandbal the construction work on a bridge over river Jhelum was started several years back. But the bridge was not completed in time. On April 16, a boat, carrying some people including school children and their family members capsized in the river leading to deaths.
The administration came under severe criticism for the delay in the completion of the bridge. Due to public outcry the halted work on the bridge was resumed by the concerned authorities with an assurance that the bridge will be completed shortly.
There are several other such bridges in Jammu and Kashmir whose construction work has not been completed for years together. Subsequently, the people have to cross the rivers in boats or nallahs on foot daily to reach the other side. Sometimes, as the water level rises due to heavy rains boating in rivers and crossing the nallahs on foot becomes risky.
Several people have lost their lives due to drowning. Meteorological department has predicted heavy rains across Kashmir in the coming days. While it has ruled out any floods, but the water level in rivers and nallahs will go up. There is possibility of mishaps if people try to cross the water bodies amid the rising water levels. Caution is needed.
The people do not cross the rivers and nallahs out of fun but out of compulsion. It is the duty of concerned authorities to construct speedily the approved bridges. There are reports that some bridges were approved but the funds were not released for the construction of work. In some cases some money was released and the construction work started but was never completed.
Subsequently, the people in these areas are suffering in absence of the bridges. The authorities must take immediate steps for early completion of these bridges. The release of funds must not be unnecessarily delayed. In fact more bridges must be constructed wherever needed. There are reports of some bridges having got damaged and need immediate repairs. The repair work must be done so that the movement of vehicles and pedestrians on such bridges is safe. The safety of people crossing the rivers and nallahs must be a priority for the concerned authorities.
