 ashwani sharma
Early Times Report
UDHAMPUR, Aug 20: The absence of the Ossu Bridge has once again raised serious concerns over the safety of school teachers, students and local residents, who are being forced to cross the Dakhedu Nallah at great personal risk.
The Ossu Bridge, which provided a vital link between Dakhedu, Paklai and several adjoining villages, was washed away during heavy rainfall on August 25-26 last year. Since then, residents have been facing immense difficulties in crossing the nallah, particularly during periods of increased water flow.
Videos circulating on social media reportedly show the dangerous situation on the ground, with local residents and school teachers crossing the water channel on a daily basis despite the obvious risks. For teachers, the crossing has reportedly become a routine part of their journey to and from schools, raising concerns about their safety as well as the safety of others dependent on the route.
The issue had earlier been highlighted by Early Times, drawing attention to the difficulties being faced by residents and school teachers. During the earlier coverage, Executive Engineer Chenani, Raman Kumar, and Chenani-Ghordi MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia had stated that the bridge would be approved within days, raising hopes among the affected people.
A week later, Mankotia, during a press conference, announced that seven bridges in his constituency had received approval, with the Ossu Bridge reportedly among them. However, despite the claimed approval, the ground situation continued to remain unchanged, with people still being forced to cross the nallah under hazardous conditions.
In view of the prevailing situation, Mankotia today told the media that efforts would be made to start work on the Ossu Bridge within the next 10 days. The statement has once again raised hopes among the affected residents, who are now waiting to see the promised work begin on the ground.
Residents say that while the reported approval and latest assurance are welcome developments, what matters now is the speedy execution of the project. They want construction work to begin without further delay so that the long-pending connectivity problem can finally be resolved.
A similar situation is reportedly being witnessed at the Banti Bridge in Sarmoli, where residents continue to face serious difficulties despite claims that the bridge has also been approved. Locals are reportedly being forced to cross the Tawi River at considerable risk.
Residents have appealed to the government and administration to treat both the Ossu and Banti bridge projects as urgent matters and ensure their construction without further delay.
For the people living in these areas, the question is no longer simply about connectivity-it is about basic safety, access to education and the right to travel without putting their lives at risk. |
