People suffer as damaged Shartmuqam Lolab Bridge not repaired
Kupwara, Jan 30: The residents of Shatmuqam and other adjacent villages suffer as a damaged bridge has not been repaired yet.
The residents said that the bridge was damaged nine months ago due to flash floods and since then it has not been repaired even after they approached the concerned authorities several times.
“This bridge is considered to be a vital one, connecting residents of over a dozen hamlets but I am unable to figure out why authorities have failed to repair this bridge,” said a local.
“Following damage to this bridge due to flashfloods in April last year, authorities suspended traffic over it with the result commuters are subjected to take other routes making travel time consuming,” he added.
The residents said that lack of maintenance of this vital bridge has caused significant loss to their business, particularly for those dependent on efficient road links for their businesses.
“The distance to Krusan happens to be only two kilometers away but with traffic suspended on Shartmuqam bridge we are forced to take an alternative route by travelling five kilometers to reach Krusan. Over nine months have passed yet no action has been taken by concerned authorities to repair the bridge and address the grievance of people,” the residents added.
The residents have now sought intervention of MLA Lolab Qaiser Jamsheed Lone in this regard so that the hardships being faced by people may end.
Meanwhile, Executive Engineer Roads and Buildings Lolab Mir Hilal told Greater Kashmir that they have filed a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to higher ups for repair of the bridge. “We are waiting for the administrative approval following which work would be started on the bridge,” he added.
