Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, June 7: Despite crores of rupees already spent on the project, a vital bridge meant to connect at least six villages in the Dargam area of north Kashmir’s Pattan continues to lie unused more than a year after its completion.
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The delay is attributed to the absence of approach roads, although the rest of the bridge has been completed, leading to immense inconvenience to local residents.
According to locals, the bridge-constructed by the Public Works Department (R&B)-was completed in May-June 2023. However, the crucial approach roads, necessary to make the bridge motorable, have not been constructed, rendering the structure effectively “useless.”
“The bridge has been ready since last year, but there has been no progress on the approach roads. It stands there, but is of no use to us,” said Mehnawaz Ashraf, a local resident.
The project, sanctioned in 2020 with an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore, was expected to fulfill a long-pending demand for better connectivity in the area. However, residents allege that the executing agency stopped work after completing only the bridge.
“We have learned that the delay is due to cost escalation. A revised estimate was submitted in 2023, but it is still pending with the Chief Engineer, R&B North Kashmir. Political interference has also been cited as a reason for the delay,” residents said.
Due to the lack of access roads, vital links to the Dargam playfield and Rasraypora village remain cut off. Additionally, the incomplete infrastructure has disrupted irrigation in the area.
Farmers said temporary irrigation pipes laid under the bridge are leaking, damaging agricultural land and compounding their problems.
“This issue has become a headache for local farmers. Since 2023, the water supply to our fields has been disrupted,” said Muhammad Akram Parray, a former Sarpanch.
The locals, along with members of youth and Masjid committees, have repeatedly approached concerned officials, but to no avail.
In October, a delegation met the Minister for PWD (R&B) and submitted a written representation. “We were assured of a speedy resolution, but nothing has moved on the ground,” they said.
They also visited the R&B Division Office in Pattan, which informed them that the revised estimate had been forwarded to the Chief Engineer’s office. However, approval is still awaited.
“The link road to the playfield and Rasraypora is closed, irrigation remains disrupted, and vehicles cannot ply through the area. We’ve also learned that around Rs 70 lakh has reportedly lapsed and was not utilized,” alleged another resident, Hassan Wani.
Despite reaching out to the local MLA, Irfan Hafiz Lone, residents said there has been no tangible progress.
“The bridge-meant to serve six villages-stands completed, but without approach roads, restored irrigation, or motorable access, its benefits remain out of reach,” residents said.
Officials from the R&B Division Pattan told ‘Excelsior’ that work on the approach roads will be completed once the required funds are released.
“As of now, we are waiting for funds. Once that is done, the rest of the work will be completed without delay,” the officials said.
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