Srinagar, July 20: In a move to combat the rising number of suicides from bridges over the Jhelum River, the Jammu and Kashmir Government will install fencing on key bridges across the city.
Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin informed Rising Kashmir that the fencing of bridges will be carried out in stages, with the three main suicide-prone bridges, including the Safa Kadal bridge, being addressed in the first phase and scheduled for completion in August.
He said that the initiative has been taken to address the urgent need for preventive measures following a series of tragic incidents involving persons jumping into the river.
He said that the fencing estimates have been completed and assured that the initial phase of the project would be finished within three weeks.
“The fencing will be an important step towards preventing these incidents,” he said. “We are committed to complete this phase swiftly and ensure that other vulnerable points are addressed in subsequent phases.”
The bridges targeted for fencing have been identified as frequent sites of suicide attempts. As per Reports, these locations have become hotspots for such tragic events which has sparked widespread concern among local residents and authorities alike.
The initiative has been met with a mix of relief and hope among locals as many expressed relief stating that the move will save many lives in future.
Dr Bilal said that the Noor Jahan bridge is also near completion and will be thrown open to the public in the last week of August.
Speaking further, Dr Bilal said that the work on Gandabal bridge is also going on in full swing.
On being asked that the bridge missed two deadlines, Bilal said that there were some hindrances created by the locals which have been resolved. Some arrests were also made in this to ensure uninterrupted work on the bridge.
