Bandipora: Cracks have developed in a five decade old bridge at Ajas market here posing threat to commuters.
 The bridge was built in 1961 and has not been repaired even once since then. Locals said that the bridge has outlived its utility and can collapse anytime. Over the years flash floods in the Ajas Chravan Nallah have weakened the supporting pillars of the bridge. 
 The ever increasing vehicular movement particularly heavy motor vehicles on the bridge has caused extensive damage to it. “This is a vital bridge as it connects Bandipora with Srinagar. We had apprised the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora last year about the issue and he had promised to get the bridge repaired on priority. But despite passing of a year no action has been taken so far,” the locals said.   
 “In case of any mishap involving the bridge, authorities will be responsible for its consequences. By acting as mute spectator, the concerned authorities have endangered the lives of thousands of commuters who daily travel through the bridge,” they said. 
 Officials of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) which has been entrusted with maintenance of the Srinagar-Bandipora road said that a proposal for repair of the bridge will be prepared soon.
 The locals have made a fervent appeal to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr Asgar Hussain Samoon to direct the concerned authorities to undertake immediate repairs of the bridge.

Reports compiled by Suhail Ajmal

Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Nov 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Nov 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:00:00 IST