Excelsior Correspondent
DUDU (Udh), July 10: Abandoned about 24 years ago, a much needed foot -bridge over river Tawi at Dudu Sub Divisional headquarters of district Udhampur continued to face Govt apathy.
A population of over 15,000 souls of about six remote villages of Dudu area, are exposed to the risk to their lives, especially during the flood when they cross the river on long log of wood being used as temporary bridge since decades. On earlier three occasions, mishaps took place on this bridge and three persons were washed away but the local administration did not take lesson from it despite the fact that four girls from Bhaderwah area fell down from similar make-shift bridge during rain and flood in Neeru river recently and washed away. Three of them could be saved but one was killed. It should be eye opener for the Govt.
Villagers from the area told the Excelsior that a foot bridge about 150 ft in length at Lower Dudu was sanctioned about 24 years back by the Government. The Govt also released funds and R&B started work and also raised concrete platform at right bank of the river. The compensation to the two families was also paid, but despite that the R&B abandoned the work. The work could not be resumed on the said foot bridge till today.
They further said that this bridge was very vital for the population of over 15,000 souls from Kirchi, Panchound, Phalangu, Chari, Bangla, Shivgalli, Thiru- Padder as it falls on old route and is considered to be the shortest one. Moreover, J&K Bank, SDM office and several other offices and schools are closer to the people from over half a dozen villages and many hamlets. Students of the area coming to Govt Higher Secondary and two other schools also take up this route. It becomes very risky to cross river over logs during flood and rain. Several times flood in Tawi washed away the logs being used as bridge.
SDM Dudu, Dr Tahir Firdous when contacted said that during recent visit of DC Udhampur Neeraj Kumar to Dudu, he and locals of the area narrated him the matter. He said this bridge will be on his priority. He will also take up the matter with the Commissioner/Secretary R&B shortly because R&B Division Udhampur has abandoned the work on this bridge.
Follow our WhatsApp channel