Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 22: Even as the Government focuses on improving connectivity across the length and breadth of J&K, residents in Takanwari area on the outskirts of Srinagar, on the contrary, continue to crave a bridge despite nearly five decades passing.
The residents, who have been urging authorities to construct a bridge connecting Takanwari with Panzinara on the other side of the Jhelum River, have been disheartened as their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
“We have been voting for people with the hope that they will construct a bridge, but so far, we have seen nothing as we continue to grapple with day-to-day issues,” said Ghulam Muhammad, an elderly resident of Takanwari.
For daily movement, the residents continue to use a boat service operational since the time of Maharaja Hari Singh. However, with changing times, they are yet to witness any transformation that would ease their issues.
“Earlier, this boat service was run by the government, but the man who was operating it died, and since then, we are arranging the boats on our own by collecting money; this is happening in the 21st century,” the residents said.
If connected, the bridge would provide seamless connectivity to residents of nearly 12 villages on both sides. Without the boat service, they are left with no option but to traverse additional distance to reach the other side of the river.
“The LG administration has been working effectively for the development of Srinagar city; many projects have been started, but we remain untouched by that transformation. Several people have drowned in the river while trying to reach the other side,” said another resident Ghulam Nabi.
The lack of connectivity is also leaving school-going children with no option but to use the only boat to reach their school.
“In case the water level is up or the boatman is not available, they are not even able to make it to their school, affecting their studies as well,” the residents said.
The residents mentioned that a survey of the spot for the construction of the bridge was conducted; however, they complained that the works were never started.
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