Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Mar 21: A glaring example of sheer negligence on the part of construction agency and the contractor, has come to lime light in Tatapani area of district Rajouri, where the agency has abandoned the bridge without constructing approach roads, putting thousands of precious lives to risk.
The issue was exposed by `Daily Excelsior’ team which paid a visit to the site on the request of local Panchayat members. They were surprised to see that on a narrow plank on both sides, the local villagers including children and elderly people, hailing from Sadda and Sohal villages and adjoining about a dozen hamlets, pass over narrow plank, putting their lives to risk. Any error or wrong step can land them into deep Nallah, full of big rocks/bounders.
Locals of the area revealed that constructed about five years ago, this bridge over a local Nallah was abandoned by the contractor without initiating any protection work or constructing approach roads. Due to non-filling of empty space near the piers at both banks of the Nallah, the people placed long planks of wood to reach up to the bridge and cross over Nallah. Many school going children also pass through this narrow passage. This may lead to a any mis-happening.
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Bhuri Singh, a local villager said for the last five years, despite public request, the contractor and the agency PWD has not bothered to complete the work. He said even the local Sarpanch also requested Kalakote administration and the Tehsildar concerned to help. He said over 3000-4000 people of the area use this bridge. Not only school children, many people carrying head loads and marriage parties move through this narrow passage. He said the Govt agency officials and contractor should be punished for the grave negligence, risking public life.
Rita Devi, a local woman said that she use to come at this bridge with her children when they go to school, ensuring their safety. This is the concern of every parent of the area. She expressed her surprise how concerned agency people can compromise on such issues of public safety. Will they do such a blunder, if their own family resides in this part of the district? She sought strict action and registration of FIR against officials and contractor for this grave negligence.
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