Srinagar, June 3: Senior Peoples Democratic Party leader Tariq Hameed Karra Saturday termed as “idiotic” the J&K Government’s decision to construct a skewed bridge over river Jhelum near Presentation Convent School here.
 “Having failed to construct even a culvert during more than half of its tenure, the coalition government is now hell bent upon destroying this historic city by rushing through ill-conceived projects in a hush-hush manner as only two years are left for the Assembly polls,” Karra said in a statement.  “The only ulterior motive behind the construction of this skewed bridge at the present location seems to be destroying the splendor of Jhelum Bund restored to its present glory on the initiative of PDP Government led by Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. Otherwise a new bridge could either be constructed parallel to the existing Abdullah Bridge on Emporium Garden side or by replacing Old Zero Bridge with a new one.”
 He said “a twisted bridge with 180 degree curve in 100 metres distance would be a virtual death trap for the commuters as most of the speedy vehicles trying to crossover this bridge can straightway making their way into river Jhelum. “It would have been advisable for the government to engage a consultant or wait for the completion of Mobility Plan being formulated by RITES for Srinagar before starting work on this deadly overpass.”
 Karra said that the “pioneers of this flawed idea should also explain to the people the use of the existing Abdullah bridge after this new four-lane bridge comes up.” “Won’t the whole traffic pass through this bridge making the Abdullah Bridge redundant?” he asked.
 Karra said “there are reports that the bridge is being constructed at its present location on the behest of some politicians who have built guest houses and hotels in Rajbagh area and are now desperate to get the land use of this posh area changed from residential to commercial to run full-fledged hotel business there.”
 “By connecting till-now a serene residential area around the Convent Girls School with the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, it will be easy for these politicians to manage change of the land-use in the Master Plan,” he alleged. “The government seems to be more concerned about safeguarding the interests of the contractors, big business houses and brokers instead of doing something for the common masses.”
 He said the government should immediately stop the construction work before wasting any more money and start exploring alternative sites for the purpose.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 3 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 3 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 4 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST