The Guzhama bridge, intended to connect Ganderbal and Bandipora, remains a glaring symbol of administrative inefficiency and neglect. Fifteen years have passed since its inception, yet the project remains incomplete, leaving thousands of residents to suffer daily hardships. This long-standing issue demands urgent intervention, as the affected people have waited far too long for a basic infrastructure necessity. The bridge was envisioned as a crucial link between central and north Kashmir, but instead of easing transportation and fostering regional connectivity, it has become a source of frustration and danger. With no bridge in place, residents, including school-going children, are left with no choice but to cross the Jhelum River on fishing boats, putting their lives at great risk. This precarious situation can result in a major tragedy.
Construction began in 2014 but was inexplicably halted just a year later, leaving only 30% of the work completed despite nearly Rs. 9 crore being spent. This raises serious concerns about financial mismanagement and the wastage of public funds. The project cost has escalated multiple times and requires approval causing further delays. The issue at hand is not just a matter of unfinished construction but a reflection of a larger mismanagement. Successive Governments have ignored the plight of the affected people, making only superficial commitments while failing to deliver concrete results. Residents have repeatedly approached the authorities, yet their appeals have fallen on deaf ears. The frustration is palpable, and the demand for action is more than justified. An explanation that the delay was due to a lack of proper approval and other procedural hurdles is insufficient. The administration must act with urgency to resolve these issues. If the revised proposal has been submitted, it should be fast-tracked and approved without further delay. Infrastructure projects are the backbone of regional development. A completed Guzhama bridge would not only ease the lives of residents but also boost economic opportunities in the area. It is high time that the authorities fulfil their promises and put an end to this prolonged suffering.
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