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Unsafe Footbridges at Thajiwas Glacier Put Tourists at Risk

  • Umer Raina
  • Comments 0
  • 04 May 2026

Residents urge Wildlife Department to take immediate action

Srinagar, May 4: Three small wooden bridges along the Thajiwas Glacier route in Sonamarg area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district have fallen into severe disrepair forcing tourists and locals to wade through a stream instead of using the unsafe structures.

 

The bridges, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Department, are reportedly on the verge of collapse and have remained in a deteriorated condition for years.

 

Despite a surge in tourist footfall to the scenic glacier, visitors are avoiding the fragile crossings and opting to cross the stream directly raising safety concerns, especially for children and elderly visitors.

 

Locals operating small tea stalls and food points along the route said they have repeatedly attempted temporary repairs by placing wooden logs, but the structures are frequently damaged by flowing water.

 

We have tried to fix these bridges ourselves many times, but they get washed away again and again, said a local vendor. If the department cannot rebuild them, they should at least allow us to construct proper wooden bridges.

 

The residents added that while the area comes under the Wildlife Department, they have not been granted permission to build durable structures. We earn our livelihood here and want to contribute to improving facilities, but without permission, we are helpless, another local said.

 

Apart from the damaged bridges, locals also raised concerns over the lack of basic amenities. They said that despite repeated demands no toilets have been installed in the area causing inconvenience to visitors.

“There are no washroom facilities for tourists. We urge the authorities to at least install temporary toilets, a local resident said.

 

The vendors also highlighted the absence of adequate dustbins warning that the increasing tourist rush could lead to environmental degradation if proper waste management measures are not put in place.

 

They have urged the Wildlife Department and other concerned authorities to take immediate action to repair the bridges, install basic facilities, and ensure safer access to the popular tourist destination.

 

Range Officer of the Wildlife Department Mukhtar Ahmad confirmed that some bridges are in a deteriorated condition. We have already taken up the matter with higher authorities and once we receive a response, the issues will be addressed, he said.

 

He added that decisions regarding the installation of dustbins and temporary toilets are handled solely by the higher authorities of the Wildlife Department.

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