Shamsipora is in Anantnag district. Eight years ago foundation was laid for the construction of a bridge at this site which would ease the difficulties faced by at least a dozen of surrounding villages in the locality. However, as ill luck would have it the bridge is nowhere near completion even after eight years from the day when the foundation was laid. The residents of dozen other villages including Shamsipora, Frisal, Arwani, Redwani, and Yaripora said the bridge, if completed, would have reduced their travel time.
We understand that this small project has become a victim of political rivalry among the local politicians. Perhaps vested interests would want the bridge to be constructed at some other spot not the present one and that might have caused delay in its completion. It is also learnt that land acquisition issue has also delayed the construction. Land acquisition has become a ticklish problem all over the country and not to speak of this small bridge even mega projects in the country have become the targets of litigation on land acquisition issue.
Whatever the reason, it is unjustifiable that the Government authorities drag the case on for eight long years and even now there appears no end to the stalemate. We would like to remind the R&B Division to speed up the completion of the bridge and reduce the difficulties of the local people. Is it necessary that people should come out on the streets, raise slogans against the Government and stage protest rallies.
Although justice and good governance demand that an enquiry at district level should be ordered why such a long delay has happened in the construction of a small bridge. If it is found that construction work was obstructed by vested interests, the truth must be brought to the notice of the people so that the credibility of the concerned political workers is challenged.
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