6 Months On, Shartmuqam Lolab Bridge Craves for Official Attention, Locals Suffer

Jahangir Lolabi

Kupwara: The Shartmuqam Lolab Bridge – a vital linkage, connecting residents of over a dozen hamlets – continues to lie in a dilapidated condition for over six months now, causing great inconvenience to the local populace.

Despite the bridge’s importance for transport and trade, the government is yet to take any action as to repair and restore the structure for hassle-free movement of commuters and vehicular traffic alike.

Distressed over what they call official apathy, the residents say that they are facing a number of problems in daily travel. “We are forced to find alternative routes that are often longer or more hazardous,” told a local delegation to Alfaaz – The Words, adding, “the lack of maintenance not only disrupts daily life but also has significant implications for the local economy, particularly for those dependent on efficient road links for their businesses.”

“The government has taken no concrete steps to repair this damaged bridge and to travel even shorter distances has become a struggle,” said a local. “For instance, if we need to get something from Krusan, which is just two kilometers away, we now have to travel at least 5-6 kilometers to reach it and it could be well understood that it is causing unnecessary inconvenience and delays for everyone in the area.”

“Six months have passed since this bridge was damaged, yet no action has been taken to repair it even as the model code of conduct period is over now,” another local said. “We urge the authorities to give this matter immediate attention to alleviate our daily hardships.”

“Our repeated calls and requests for immediate government intervention have gone unanswered, and the public’s frustration is growing with each passing day. We now look to the newly elected MLA of Lolab to step forward and address this issue as a matter of priority”, an agitated local said.

When contacted, Executive Engineer, R&B Division Lolab, Hilal Abbasi said that the damage report has been submitted to the secretariat through the Chief Engineer. “A copy has also been sent to the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara”, Abbasi said, adding “feedback from the authorities is expected within 10 to 15 days, after which the reconstruction work will be initiated.”