Ajay Sharma
Sunderbani, Rajouri January 3: Notwithstanding the passage of years, the construction work on the vital bridge in Panchayat Nala in Nowshera sub-division of Rajouri district is apparently hangs-in-balance, pzutting lives of the commuters in danger.
According to sources, there is a prolonged delay in the completion of a vital bridge over the Nala in the region, forcing over 100-150 schoolchildren and villagers to cross the hazardous nala daily, risking serious accidents especially during the rainy season.
“The bridge project, funded under a district plan with a tender worth ₹30-40 lakh by the Public Works Department (PWD), involves constructing pillars and wing walls in Ward Numbers 1 and 3 of the panchayat,” said sources, adding that however, contractors have repeatedly failed to install the essential slabs (lanterns) to cover the structure, leaving it incomplete for the past 2-3 years.
They said that this has blocked the previous pedestrian path and deepened the nala, making crossings extremely dangerous.
“If any mishap occurs due to this negligence, the PWD department will be directly responsible,” said a local resident, adding that many villagers, who rear livestock usually rely on this route for daily commuting, but the contractor is insensitive and indifferent to the problems faced by the leople due to endless delays despite promises to complete the work soon.
“The past rains have already caused accidents at similar sites across Rajouri district,” said sources, adding that children from poor families are particularly vulnerable as they cross the nala to reach school.
Sources questioned, “Why is the PWD playing with the lives of the poor public?”
Meanwhile, locals in the area have demanded accountability from the higher authorities, including the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sunderbani, District Commissioner Rajouri, Chief Engineer PWD, and even Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who represents the Nowshera constituency and holds the PWD portfolio.
They demanded blacklisting of the contractor, canceling their license, and registering an FIR for the delays.
They also appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and Chief Secretary to ensure slabs are installed urgently before the next monsoon.
Talking to The Northlines, the concerned contractor said that he will complete the bridge soon.
