Bandipora villages await bridge since 2017, fear repeat of Gandbal tragedy

Bandipora, June 01: Residents of several villages in the Sumbal Sub-Division of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district rely on boats for daily travel due to the lack of a bridge.
This situation has raised significant safety concerns among the villagers, who fear a tragedy similar to the one in Gandbal, Srinagar, where the lack of a bridge resulted in the loss of lives, including schoolchildren.
Ghulam Mohammad Dar, a local, told Rising Kashmir that villagers from Chandergeer, Zunipora, Asham, Chewa and other nearby areas either rely on boats or travel long distances to reach Hajin, where essential offices and markets are located.” Even schoolchildren have to cross the Jehlum River to attend schools, as the higher secondary schools and degree colleges are situated in Hajin,” he said.
Dar said they have been awaiting the construction of the bridge since 2017 when the then chief minister promised them that the bridge would be provided. Despite this assurance, years have passed without any progress.
He said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared by the Chief Engineer of R&B and submitted to the Principal Secretary of R&B. However, it has yet to be forwarded to NABARD for tendering and other necessary formalities.
“Despite making multiple political representations and submitting necessary documents, including the area’s population data from the 2011 census, to the department, there has been no progress or any hopeful outcome for the residents,” Dar lamented.
Locals recalled a tragic incident in Gandbal, Srinagar, a few weeks ago which resulted in the deaths of schoolchildren when their boat capsized due to the absence of a bridge. “We face a similar threat here, as residents, including children, depend on boats for daily travel. The fear of experiencing a tragedy like Gandbal is constantly looming over us,” said Abdul Rahman Wagay, another local.
“The Gandbal tragedy should have been a wake-up call,” Wagay said. “It’s unacceptable that in 2024, the entire population of the area is still reliant on boats because of the absence of the bridge. We need immediate action to prevent another catastrophe.”
Residents said they have been urging the authorities to prioritise this essential infrastructure project. They said the delay has not only caused inconvenience but also posed severe safety risks to them.
They urged the government to speed up the approval and construction of the bridge, saying it is not just for convenience but to save lives and prevent future tragedies.
Another local Abdul Raheem Dar said the safety of their children and locals should be the priority. “We urge the authorities to act now before it is too late,” he said.
Attempts to contact the Principal Secretary of the Roads & Buildings Department for comments were unsuccessful.