Ajay Sharma
Nowshera, October 3
Residents of Panchayat Nala in Ward No. 1, Village Nala, are up in arms over the prolonged delay in completing a crucial bridge over a nala (drain), forcing schoolchildren and locals to cross treacherous paths daily.
According to reports, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been overseeing the project for nearly 14 months, with contractors reportedly ‘finishing’ their portion and leaving the site incomplete, including the absence of essential lanterns for safety.
Local voices, including young student Shivani Devi from Nala, have pleaded for urgent action.
“We have been waiting for this bridge for almost a year now. The pillars have been installed but due to absence of proper use of iron shuttering rods, these pillars have started corroding, especially after remaining inundated in the rain water,” Shivani said, highlighting the dangers faced by children crossing the swollen nala to attend school.
Villagers recounted repeated attempts to contact accessible PWD officials, such as Junior Engineers (JEs), who promised swift resolution three months ago but have yet to deliver. “The government does not listen to us,” residents lamented, adding that due to the unmoved approach of the authorities, they will be forced to block the vital Bambla Highway – part of National Highway 144A connecting Jammu to Poonch via Akhnoor and Nowshera.
Locals said that this highway, currently under construction with multiple bridges in progress, aims to slash travel time by 1.5 hours and boost connectivity in the region.
They said, “The area’s infrastructure woes persist despite recent government initiatives, including foundation stones laid for three new bridges in Nowshera just days ago.”
Locals accused the PWD officers from Nowshera and Sub-Division Sundarbani, of mismanaging funds and allegedly neglecting the project for 1.5 to 2 years.
“If an accident happens, who will take responsibility? The JE, AEE, XEN, SE or Chief Engineer?” questioned a villager.
Meanwhile, when contacted officials from the department, they assured that lanterns would be added soon via tender.
Skeptical of the lame promises by the PWD officers, villagers have urged the Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma – who has taken on additional administrative roles in the region – to intervene and hold the department accountable.
