KL Report

SRINAGAR

 The inordinate delay in construction of a vital footbridge at SKIMS medical college, hospital Bemina (JVC) Srinagar turned to be a death trap for the pedestrians as reportedly a dozen of people have lost their lives in last three years, while crossing national highway. People accuse the government for turning a blind eye towards the matter.

Official sources told KNS that the bridge construction is still in its “initial stage” after the work was started by the department of SICOP in 2011. “The Agency has even failed to erect the base pillars of the bridge to be completed at a cost of Rs 111.111 Crore. In the year 2011, about six pedestrians lost their lives while many sustained serious injuries after being hit by the moving vehicles on this busy road,” sources said.

Meanwhile the annoyed residents said that last month a youth in his early twenties lost his life after a vehicle hit him near the hospital.“He was on way to hospital when a vehicle hit him. Two more pedestrians lost their lives in the year 2012 after being hit by the moving vehicles while many others were injured,” residents told KNS. The residents alleged that they are up in arms against the JK SICOP for putting their lives at risk. “We fail to understand the wisdom of the authorities, “they added.

We have decided to come on the roads against the delay by the department. “Due to the callous approach of the government we are losing precious lives nobody is paying any heed to our pleas. So, we have no choice but to start demonstration,” local resident Mehraj-u-Din said.

“We were excited after the authorities laid foundation for the construction of footbridge as it was treated one of the important bridges which could serve as a cross bridge for patients who visit the hospital. But our hopes and excitements have died down now. One can now imagine how much time it would take to complete the bridge,” said a local Shabir Ahmad.

Moreover according to the inhabitants, the repeated assurances by the concerned Minister and Member of Legislative Assembly proved hoax. “They assured us that the footbridge construction would be completed soon. However they failed to keep their promise,” the residents added.

When contacted General Manager Projects SICOP, Ishtiyaq Drabu told KNS that the delay in bridge construction was due to R&B department. “Hindrance by the R&B department is the main reason for delay in its completion. However, when contacted Chief Engineer, R&B did not pick-up the phone.

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