Excelsior Correspondent
Bhaderwah, Mar 9: To express their resentment over the attitude of authorities especially Rural Engineering Wing (REW) of RDD for starting construction of bridge with less span over Neeru river, the people of Butla Panchayat here held strong protest and demanded extension of bridge span from 18 meters to 24 meters.
The residents a far off Panchayat Butla who have been unsuccessfully struggling and demanding a bridge over Neeru river since last more than 3 decades to safely reach their respective villages, said that their demand was accepted but the work is being done on half portion, which will not provide any benefit to the residents living other side of the river.
The residents majority of them belonging to poor Tribal Gaddi and Sippi communities were living in constant danger of getting drowned as they have no other option but to cross the river on damaged wooden planks to reach the town and in absence of proper foot bridge several precious lives were lost as despite running from pillar to post successive Governments failed to provide them a safe bridge.
The locals said that they need a bridge with 24 meter span to reach the town but authorities are constructing only 18 meter which will not provide any relief during rainy season as the water level rise many folds at that time.
They demanded construction of bridge with 24 meter span, so that they can get a better connectivity.
When contacted ADC Bhaderwah Dil Mir Choudhary said, “I was not aware about the issue. I will take up the matter with concerned authorities on bridge’s extension”.
“As of now, people should allow construction of bridge smoothly and I will ask concerned authorities to make remaining 6 meter portion in next tender”, ADC informed.
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