Langate, Feb 05: The historic “Danda Kadal” bridge in Langate, Handwara, remains non-operational two years after being severely damaged by flash floods in 2023. The bridge, a vital link between Langate and Mawer villages, continues to lie in disrepair, causing immense hardships to the local population.
Residents of the area have repeatedly raised their concerns with the authorities highlighting the difficulties they face due to the absence of a functional bridge. The prolonged delay in its restoration has forced them to take longer, inconvenient routes, affecting their daily lives.
Ghulam Rasool, a resident of Langate speaking to Rising Kashmir, highlighted the gravity of the situation, saying, “Our land, fields, and even some houses are on the other side of the nallah. During summers, when the water flow is high, crossing becomes impossible, leaving us with no choice but to take long routes that take hours instead of minutes.”
Another local, Abdul Majid, expressed anger over the administration’s inaction. “We have repeatedly approached the officials, but nothing has changed. Every year, we hear promises, but on the ground, the bridge remains broken. The government must take this issue seriously.”
Women and elderly residents are among the worst affected. Shaista Bano, a local woman, said “Children, women, and old people suffer the most. We are risking our lives crossing the Mawar Nalla when the water level rises. The authorities need to understand the danger we face daily.”
Meanwhile, Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department Executive Engineer Langate Gulzar Ahmed Mir told Rising Kashmir that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the bridge’s restoration was submitted in December last year. However, due to a delay in administrative approval, the work has not yet started. “Once the DPR gets approved, we will begin work immediately,” he assured.
With the situation becoming increasingly hazardous, residents have urged the government to expedite the approval process and begin reconstruction at the earliest to prevent further inconvenience and potential tragedies.
