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| One year after Ossu bridge washed away, thousands still risk their lives crossing nallah; locals demand immediate reconstruction | | |  ASHWANI SHARMA
Early Times Report
UDHAMPUR, Aug 1: A year after the Ossi Bridge was washed away in flash floods, residents of Osu, Pakhlai and several adjoining areas continue to risk their lives by crossing a dangerous nallah every day due to the absence of a permanent bridge. Despite repeated assurances from the authorities, the reconstruction work has yet to begin, leaving thousands of people without a safe passage.
An Early Times team visited the spot and witnessed school children, elderly people, women and daily commuters carefully making their way across the rocky stream. During the monsoon season, the water level rises suddenly, making the crossing extremely dangerous. Locals said several people have narrowly escaped being swept away by the strong current in the past year.
Seventy-year-old Geeta Devi, who was crossing the nallah to visit a doctor, shared her ordeal. "For the past one year, we have been forced to cross this nallah every day. Many times the water level rises suddenly, and people have had to be rescued from being washed away. I am unwell, but I have no option except to risk my life to reach the hospital," she said.
She further said that children's education is also suffering. "Whenever it rains heavily, neither students nor teachers are able to reach the school. Even if they do, they often have to wait for hours until the water level recedes."
Appealing to the authorities, Geeta Devi urged Chenani-Gordi MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia and the Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, to ensure the bridge is constructed at the earliest so that people no longer have to endanger their lives.
Residents also recalled that a few days ago, a video showing people stranded on both sides of the flooded nallah went viral on social media, highlighting the recurring problem during every spell of heavy rain.
When contacted, MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia said that the earlier tender for the bridge could not be finalized due to technical issues. He assured that a fresh tender would be floated shortly and that the bridge construction would commence without further delay.
PWD Executive Engineer, Chenani Division, Raman Kumar, also confirmed that the department is in the final stages of the tendering process. "The tender for the bridge will be issued within one week, and after the completion of the tender process, construction work will begin at the earliest to provide relief to the public," he said.
The Ossu Bridge serves as a vital link for thousands of residents of Osu, Pakhlai and several surrounding areas . Locals have urged the administration to treat the project as a priority before another monsoon-related tragedy occurs. |
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