Six long years are of no significance for construction of a small bridge with a total length of 127 meters and that too a foot bridge at Takanwari area on the outskirts of Srinagar. Work started on it in 2011 and it is still incomplete. The estimated cost of the Bridge immediately before the commencement of work was put at Rs.319.50 lac but as per reports, Rs. 248 lac only have been released and rest of the amount is not released.
This bridge over river Jehlum would connect Takanwari with Panzinar but it became a casualty of callous slow pace of work. None bothers for the hardships faced by the residents in crossing the river and risking their lives by opting to cross the Jehlum in overcrowded boats in order to reach their destinations. Avoiding this available facility, the only other option is to tread long distance and cross the river through Maloora – Tengpora Bridge. The Bridge, when built and ready would prove as a life – line for the residents, is what they speak. Just two pillars for the Bridge have been built only to leave the remaining major work in a state of utter dormancy which is irking the residents of the area, and justifiably so. Again, paucity of funds coupled with “other reasons” coming in the way of its construction is resulting in hardships to the public. 2014 floods stopped its work. It was resumed but again got suspended due to the delay caused in procurement of material for the Bridge from Ranchi, Jharkhand etc. As if it was not enough, an unresolved issue with the Irrigation and Flood Control Department for issuing NOC for making Anchor blocks etc have all worked together to affect the work on it.
The residents, however, hope that looking to the inconvenience faced by the residents of the area; the Bridge would see the light of the day hopefully during the current year itself. The matter shall be closely followed up .
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