Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 5: Even as 10 months passed since September 2014 deluge, the Government has not repaired a bridge which was damaged during last year’s floods in remote Boniyar area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The bridge, which is located in the main town of Boniyar, was damaged on September 5, last year, when heavy downpour triggered flash floods in the area. The bridge, which was once motorable, was constructed over a gushing stream and it connects scores of villages with the Boniyar town including Trikunjun and Bela.
Local residents said that even as several officials assured them that it would be repaired but none of them kept their word.
“We face lot of difficulties while going to school, hospital as well as market. We often get late to school and it directly affects our studies,” said a student, Ashiq Ahmad.
There are two schools including a higher secondary located near the bridge and everyday hundreds of students have to cross it.
A resident, Jahangir Ahmad, said: “We face inconvenience while crossing the bridge. We appeal authorities to repair this bridge as soon as possible.” He said lot of officials came and inspected the bridge but practically no one did anything.
An elderly local resident, Haji Bashir Khan, said the bridge is totally unsafe for people like him as well as small kids. “While crossing the bridge, we have to be very cautious. A small mistake can cost one’s life or can hurt him badly,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Mushtaq Ahmad, told Excelsior that they are waiting for the release of funds for permanent restoration of the damaged bridges in the district. He, however, said that they will, till the funds are released, construct a temporary bridge for the convenience of the locals.
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