Ganderbal, Jan 8: Residents of Duderhama, Warpora, Malapora, Arampora, Chekpora, Arch, Dudhkanth, Babosipora and other adjoining areas in this north Kashmir district are up in arms against the administration for its alleged failure to repair the damaged Lala-sahib bridge which was damaged three years ago by flash floods.
“Lala Sahib bridge is a century old bridge connecting more than seven villages with the district headquarter,” residents said, adding this is the only route which connects us with Mini Secretariat, District Hospital, Degree College, Fire Service Station, Higher Secondary School and other private institutions.
Residents added that to overcome the difficulty they had constructed a temporary wooden bridge hoping the new bridge would be constructed soon but the administration, they alleged, “seems to be non-serious about it as our frequent representations and requests have fallen flat on deaf ears”.
“Last year we approached the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the same who asked the District Development Commissioner to take necessary action but  authorities remained unmoved even after CM’s  intervention” said Sarpanch Abdul Ahad Reshi.
Reshi added that soon after Lala-Sahib bridge was damaged its construction was started immediately but the work was left half done. “Three years have elapsed since then but till date nothing has been done,” he added.
Locals have appealed their MLA and state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and address their genuine grievances. 
Senior NC leader and Provincial Secretary Kashmir Province, Sheikh Ghulam Ahmad Saloora said: “I will bring the issue into the notice of Chief Minister and the construction of the bridge will be resumed soon.”
He alleged that some miscreants had forced the contractor to stop the work for their own vested interests.
When contacted DDC Ganderbal said: “Some local farmers are putting hindrances in the construction of the bridge and assured that once the issue is settled the construction of the bridge would be resumed.”

Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Jan 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Jan 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 Jan 2013 00:00:00 IST