Jammu and Kashmir has seen unprecedented development under the present GoI and LG Administration, despite the financial crunch due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure proper development, the Government of India has always provided more than enough budget allocation for a population-wise small Jammu and Kashmir in comparison to much larger states. Hundreds of kilometers of road connectivity and numerous bridges for better connectivity are under construction. The Administration repeatedly warns about work quality, but it appears that some feckless and obstinate members of the department are unconcerned about such directives. This time, it’s a 4 crore bridge over the Hardkhari rivulet in the Haril area of Handwara, Kupwara district, that’s cracked. Allegations of substandard material being used were levelled, but a lack of timely intervention ultimately led to cracks. This is not an isolated case, as this happened with the Devak Bridge at Utterbehni, the Sopore By-Pass Bridge, completed in 23 years but with cracks developing. There are no proper independent laboratories to check the quality of work, and the matter is further exacerbated by the delay in responses by investigating agencies. With no fear of action, the contractor-official nexus is working overtime to derail the engine of development. These bridges are important from a rural development point of view, and these kinds of delays are not expected now.
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