Rayees Shah / Shah Basit
Akhal bridge which connects Dozens of villages with Sub – Divsion of Kangan area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal District awaits completion from last 12-years.
The bridge was sanctioned in year 2008, The delay in completion of this Akhal bridge has left people with no words. They are now tired with representations given to almost every concerned government office.
“The construction work was taken up by JKPCC at an estimated cost of Rs. 8.96 crore, but is yet to be completed, the total length of the bridge is 84mtr (long trussed bridge).
The work on this bridge was started in the year 2008 and the anticipated time of completion was September 2014, Due to the inadequate funding the bridge awaits completion.
The old bridge was declared unsafe many times, in January last year, the old bridge was officially declared unsafe by R&B department, however it was later open for light motor vehicle after a protest by locals erupt in the area.
Locals hit the streets after contractor stopped the work and packed the equipment from the site due which locals assembled and met the concerned SDM Kangan along with SDPO Kangan.
SDM Kangan has assured locals that the work on this bridge will be resumed within 3 days said a local boy Ziya Rather.
Recently this bridge was taken in languishing projects and Ganderbal Administration had asked the concerned departments to complete the construction up to December 2020.
Locals alleged that this bridge has remained a political vote bank for several parties who according to them poke their leg always.
It’s pertinent to mention here dozens of villages including Akhal, Kunmullah, Najiwan, check Akhal, Nillah, Tangchatter, Hayan, Palpora and several other villages have neither any health care center nor any fire and emergency services.
Locals have appealed Lt Governor to look into the matter.