Srinagar, Apr 15: Ironical that no department of Jammu and Kashmir government owns Mehjoor Nagar footbridge which was abandoned by authorities after its pillars were damaged to ensure smooth movement of rain waters in the year 2018.
The locals of Mehjoor Nagar and adjoining areas Friday sought Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s intervention for immediate restoration of the footbridge to ensure smooth movement of pedestrians.
They said due to spoiled condition of the footbridge the inhabitants belong to south end parts of city are facing huge inconvenience while reaching to Jawahar Nagar and other parts of Srinagar.
Terming it “vital”, the locals said the bridge ensured smooth connectivity of Mehjoor Nagar and adjoining areas to Jawahar Nagar and other parts of the city earlier however it was destroyed after authorities released large volume of waters into flood channel when rains lashed Kashmir Valley consecutively in year 2018.
“With the absence of footbridge, the pedestrians are compelled to take alternate lengthy routes to reach city areas”, Mohammad Amin a resident of Mehjoor Nagar told Rising Kashmir.
He said erstwhile locals would use this vital bridge to reach city areas smoothly however after its pillars were destroyed for smooth movement of rain waters, the locals are facing huge inconvenience.
It is worth to mention the footbridge was playing a pivotal role in the movement of students as well who would use this bridge to reach coaching centers on time. Several students alleged the spoiled condition of the footbridge has taken heavy toll on their career as they have to move on other lengthy routes that consume their huge time.
“Few years back I was using this footbridge to reach coaching centre located in Rajbagh area of the city within 15 minutes. However, since its damage, I am compelled to take lengthy routes that takes me one and a half hour”, Mehwish Sultan, a student from Rambagh area told.
She said, had it been attended and restored on time by authorities, it would have saved much time of students and others.
“Despite passing of more than four years, the bridge awaits restoration work and no official is bothering to take a call on our plea”, locals said.
The locals alleged the matter was brought into the notice of higher ups several times but all in vain.
The locals appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene into the matter and take necessary measures in restoration work of the footbridge.
This reporter when contacted Chief Engineers of Roads & Buildings Department, and Irrigation & Flood Control Department, both disowned the footbridge.
“The footbridge does not fall in our domain”, both Chief Engineer’s said.