Shopian, Oct 14 (KNO): The residents of Darbagh Watchi in Zainapora subdivision of South Kashmir’s Shopian district have appealed to the administration for the construction of a concrete bridge over Nallah Tongri, a crucial link that was damaged during the 2014 floods and has remained unsafe ever since.
Locals said the old structure, which serves as the main connection between Darbagh and several neighbouring villages, has deteriorated to a dangerous extent.
The bridge, they said, is tilted and unstable, making it unsafe for heavy vehicles and risky even for small ones.
“We have been living with this danger for years. Every time when it rains heavily, we fear that the bridge might collapse completely,” Gulzar Ahmad, a local resident told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “People face huge difficulties during medical emergencies and while transporting daily essentials. A single delay can cost lives.”
Residents said they have repeatedly approached district authorities and public representatives, but their pleas have failed to yield results.
“The government has sanctioned projects worth lakhs elsewhere, yet our demand for a basic bridge remains unheard,” said Nisar Ahmad, another villager.
The absence of a proper bridge, they said, has isolated the area and slowed down socio-economic activities. “A new bridge will not just connect us to nearby villages but also ensure easier access to schools, health centres and markets,” said one of the residents, adding that the issue is more than just an infrastructural need — it is about safety, dignity, and equitable development.
Locals said they have raised the demand in every possible forum — from grievance camps to election rallies — but only hollow promises were made. “We are tired of assurances. What we need now is immediate action,” they said, urging the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, local MLA Showkat Hussain Ganaie and the Deputy Commissioner Shopian to intervene personally.
Meanwhile, an official from the district administration confirmed that the bridge project has been sanctioned. “The proposal for the new bridge has been approved, and the work is expected to start soon,” the official said—(KNO)