Pulwama, Aug 07: The residents of Wahibugh village in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have urged authorities of Roads and Buildings Department to repair the damaged basement of a critical bridge on Nallah Romeshi.
Naseer Ahmad Shah, a resident of Wahibugh, highlighted the importance of this bridge, which connects South Kashmir with Central Kashmir.
He recalled that this bridge served as a vital link during the 2014 floods.
“This bridge ensured road connection between Srinagar and Jammu during the 2014 deluge,” Shah said.
He noted that the bridge facilitated safe passage for rescue and relief operations when other major routes were submerged.
However, Shah expressed concern that the bridge has suffered significant damage to its plinth over the past year.
“Authorities of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department are neglecting the issue,” he said, warning that the bridge might collapse if repairs are further delayed.
Shah said that repairing the damaged basement now would cost a few lakh rupees, but rebuilding the bridge after a collapse would require a much larger expenditure.
Residents attributed the damage to illegal mining activities in Nallah Romeshi near the bridge, accusing the Geology and Mining Department of failing to halt these operations.
Executive Engineer R&B Pulwama, Javid Ahmad Dar, confirmed the damage to the bridge’s substructure and acknowledged that illegal mining was a primary cause.
“I request officials from the Geology and Mining Department to stop mining within 300 meters of the stream on both sides of the bridge,” Dar said.
He added that another contributing factor is the water current, as the area has a loose soil structure.
To prevent further damage, Dar mentioned that they have partially diverted the water flow. “We have proposed crate work towards the downstream side of the bridge, and the proposal has been submitted to higher offices. Once approved, we will commence work,” he said.
District Mineral Officer, Geology and Mining Pulwama, Er Mohammad Manzoor, said that they have cut access roads to the Romeshi Nallah to curb illegal mining.
He assured that the department would investigate the complaints regarding unauthorized mining activities in Nallah Romeshi.
