Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 25: The bailey bridge, constructed long ago by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) and now lying in a damaged state in Sumbal Bala, tehsil Gund of district Ganderbal, is craving official attention.
Locals informed Excelsior that in 2018, following damages it suffered, the R&B Department had declared the bridge unsafe, barring vehicular movement and allowing only pedestrians to use the bridge.
“However, despite that, they have not taken further measures, especially carrying out the necessary repairs to ensure that the bridge is fit for vehicular movement. They erected the board declaring it unsafe, and that’s it,” said Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, a local.
According to the details, the bridge was constructed way back in 1965, after which the dependency of the various nearby villages increased as they started using it for their daily commute, ultimately emerging as an important part of the connectivity in the area.
“For some time now, the bridge has been damaged and is currently of no use. The locals did minor repairs on their own, but it needs proper official attention to ensure there are no risks in using the bridge; only the concerned department can do it, but that has not happened so far,” said another resident, Muhammad Anwar Bhat.
He added, “We have nowhere to go in case of an emergency because it is the only means of connectivity for nearly eight villages; I wonder, if there is a fire incident, what are we going to do in such a situation?”
The residents said that from Ganiwan to Gund, all the villages in between have no other option but to use the bridge for connectivity.
“The supporting pillars of the bridge are also damaged, and it needs a proper inspection and repairs afterward. Even though at times vehicles ply on it, it is largely risky,” the residents emphasized.
While the residents are demanding the necessary measures be taken in this regard, they also noted that no department owns the bridge, which delays the resolution of the issue they face.
Executive Engineer, PMGSY in Ganderbal, Abdul Aziz, told Excelsior that while the road is looked after by them, the bridge was constructed by the BRO and does not fall under the PMGSY’s control.
“The bailey bridges do not come under us; however, in this regard, we have already taken up the matter with the authorities. The concerned Executive Engineer of R&B has been informed about it, as well as the DC Ganderbal, for necessary action. We do not deal with the maintenance of bailey bridges,” he said.
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