Devsar (Kulgam), April 30: The bridge connecting Chowgam to Bonigam at Nawa village in Kulgam district has been damaged due to incessant rains.
Commuters and residents are now forced to take longer routes due to damage to the bridge over the Veth Yutr river at Nawa, Chowgam in Devsar tehsil of Kulgam district caused by heavy rains and subsequent flooding.
Abdul Salaam, a local resident, said that the government should promptly repair the damaged section and install a protective bund along the river near the bridge to prevent future damage.
“A motorcyclist narrowly escaped an accident during midnight when the bridge eroded,” he said, adding that they earnestly request the government to repair this important bridge that connects the two districts of Kulgam and Anantnag.
Rakib Ahmad, Tehsildar Devsar, told Rising Kashmir that the bridge at Nawa sustained damage during the midnight hours following heavy rainfall and increased river flow. The road is under the management of PMGSY, and they have already conducted an assessment.
He said that the necessary restoration work will be carried out at the earliest. He said that the bridge has been closed to traffic as it is currently not passable. Efforts are underway to restore it as quickly as possible. Ahmad mentioned that authorities responded promptly to the incident, with teams dispatched to the site immediately.
“The Station House Officer (SHO) of Qazigund and the Naib Tehsildar were present at the scene and took measures to block traffic during the midnight to prevent any potential accidents,” he added.
Tehsildar Devsar urged commuters and locals to refrain from using the bridge and to opt for alternative routes until it is made passable again.
Meanwhile, Executive Engineer (Exn) PMGSY, Hilal Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that they visited the site, assessed the damage, and have submitted a report to higher authorities for further action.
