SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident of the Boat Capsizing Tragedy at the Batwara – Gandabal River Jhelum crossing, which resulted in the loss of six lives, including school children.
The KCCI extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating event and urged the administration to intensify search efforts for the missing individuals.
“The loss of innocent lives, particularly those of young children on their way to school, is an irreparable tragedy. Words cannot adequately convey the grief felt by the community and the pain experienced by the families of the victims,” KCCI said in a statement.
KCCI said that the unfortunate incident could have been prevented if the relevant authorities had shown greater awareness of the precarious situation at the crossing and other similar river crossings. “It is concerning that despite the initiation of bridge construction at the site, the project was abandoned for reasons unknown.”
“Ensuring the safety and security of citizens is a fundamental responsibility of the government, yet in this and similar cases, safety concerns have been disregarded. Despite advocacy efforts by KCCI in meetings with Srinagar Smart City Project Limited to extend developmental and beautification works beyond municipal limits, such suggestions were dismissed on the grounds of budgetary constraints,” the statement reads.
KCCI called for urgent action to expedite the construction of the Batwara-Gandabal Bridge and other similar river crossing bridges/footbridges to prevent future tragedies and loss of lives.
