Bandipora, Dec 20: Traders in north Kashmir’s Sumbal subdivision have accused the government of destroying their livelihoods after the construction of a vital footbridge remained stalled for over 12 years.
The footbridge once served as a crucial link for residents travelling to the town’s market area, government offices, and schools. A wooden bridge that had connected communities for decades was demolished in 2013 after developing cracks.
Before its demolition, the government promised a replacement. The Roads and Buildings (R&B) department began constructing a 99-meter bridge in 2014, but work halted shortly after that year’s devastating floods, leaving villagers stranded and forcing them to cross the river by boat.
“There has been no progress, nothing at all on the footbridge,” Nazir Ahmad, president of the Sumbal Traders Association, told Greater Kashmir.
Officials at the time cited problems with piling, saying the contractor had failed to remove remnants of the old bridge, causing technical issues that required the project to be redesigned. However, no further action was taken.
The bridge was later listed among languishing projects, but work never resumed. Authorities blamed the contractor for failing to execute the project, and the issue eventually led to investigations and court involvement.
Business losses mount
“The issue has ruined our businesses,” Ahmad said, adding that many businessmen who took bank loans have become defaulters after losing nearly half their customers due to poor connectivity.
Villages including Nesbal, Naninara, Tangpora, Safapora, Hakbara, and Asham, along with several smaller hamlets, have lost convenient access to the subdivision’s market area. Residents now travel longer distances to reach government offices, schools, colleges, and hospitals in Sumbal town.
“The subdivision office is located in the town near the market, and people from dozens of villages on the other side of the river face immense inconvenience without the bridge,” Ahmad said.
Safety concerns
Most residents from adjacent villages use boats to cross the river, including many schoolchildren and students travelling to tuition classes.
“The daily commute keeps parents constantly worried as the fear of a tragedy looms over them,” Ahmad said.
Executive Engineer R&B Sumbal Tanveer Ahmad acknowledged that the issue has been pending for a long time. He said he has gathered details and will try to find a breakthrough to resume the project, though he sounded sceptical given the prolonged delays.