Muhammad Mukaram
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Dec 14: Various developmental projects have been halted in Kashmir due to non-availability of funds. On June 25, Mohammad Ashraf Sheikh had registered a complaint in Chief Minister's Grievance Cell under complaint no: 61478 against the R&B Department over delay in work on a bridge which is under construction since 2011-2012.
A copy of complaint in possession with Early Times reads, "A bridge which connects Badesgam A with Badesgam B in South Kashmir's Anantnag district is under construction for last more than five years. But till date it is not seeing the light of completion although the side piers are completed."
At least more than 500 households are faced with hurdles by the local contractors in nexus with R&B officials since 2011, and the work on the bridge which is estimated to cost Rs 531 lakhs is still far from completion.
"Even though the 70% of work has been completed three years before by the one contractor who has finished his work on the time, but the other influential contractor is willingly delaying the completion of middle pier which needs only capping," reads the complaint.
However, the authorities keep pouring out money, a bridge is running behind schedules due to the only one reason that is non-availability of funds in the Roads and Buildings Department.
However, on 02/12/2016, the Chief Engineer Roads and Buildings (R&B) Kashmir, has replied to complainant, saying, "As reported by the concerned Superintending Engineer that the construction of 2x30 mtr Span Bridge Badesgam A to Badesgam B, Anantnag is approved under Bridge programme at a cost of Rs 531.00 lacs. The work on the bridge was started in the year 2011-2012. Due to the inadequate funding the bridge could not be completed," reads the official response, a copy which is with Early Times.
"The work shall be completed subject to availability of funds. The bridge could not be completed and presently the approaches, sub- structure stands completed except for the cap of centre pier."
Meanwhile, the officials of the R&B department said, "The construction of the bridge was going with very slow speed till January 2015. No, doubt the inhabitants are facing very hardships as the bridge is not completed." However, it is pertinent to mention here that, the four lanning of Srinagar- Banihal road is likely to consume another year as it has missed many deadlines. |
