The residents of Handwara are facing difficulties with the absence of a concrete bridge at Bakiaker, Handwara.
The residents said that in 2014 flash floods damaged a pillar of the existing bridge following which traffic was suspended over it for several months.
Locals further informed that they have gone to the Roads and Buildings department, Handwara division several times for its repair as the locals had to take a long route via Wadipora to reach Bakiaker. They further added that R&B repaired the old bridge but failed to construct the new one, thus disappointing people.
Muhammad Saleem, a student said that he doesn’t understand that even after eight years they have deprived of a bridge, which has increased their difficulties.
The residents said that the bridge once constructed would be a great bonus to the horticulture sector as most of the residents were dependent on orchards.
The locals said that they had asked several times to the concerned officials but no further progress was done.
Meanwhile, a senior official at Roads and Buildings (R&B) Handwara division said that a Preliminary Project Report (PPR) regarding the construction of the bridge had been already forwarded to the Chief Engineer’s office but till now the project stood unapproved.
