Jammu, 16 August (H.S.): An incomplete bridge over a small stream, locally known as Kass near Kot Dhara Ward number 9, Sanga, under Rajouri district headquarters, has become a serious problem for local residents, particularly school-going children.

During the rainy season, the water level in the stream rises suddenly, making the crossing extremely dangerous. Children are forced to risk their lives while crossing the stream to reach their schools.

A research scholar, Sarfaraz Bukhari, who passes through the area regularly, said that residents of around four to six wards, including a large number of school-going children, are facing severe difficulties due to the incomplete bridge. Most of the children in the area belong to economically weaker families and depend on this route to reach their educational institutions. During heavy rains, the stream can swell rapidly, creating the risk of a major accident.

Locally, the small watercourse is referred to as a Kass. During the monsoon, its flow can increase suddenly, making it extremely difficult for students, elderly people and other residents to cross safely in the absence of a completed bridge.

Former Sarpanch Sakina Akhter said that Rs 20 lakh had been sanctioned under the Tribal Sub-Plan for construction of the bridge over the stream. The construction work was allotted to a contractor. However, only the pillars and stairs were constructed, while the flooring/slab of the bridge remains incomplete.

She said that after the construction work was stopped midway, no serious attention was paid to the issue, forcing residents to continue using the dangerous route to cross the stream.

According to the former Sarpanch, nearly 2,000 people are affected by the problem, including students studying in around eight schools and colleges. Parents are particularly worried about the safety of their children during the rainy season.

When contacted, ACR Rajouri Jahangir Khan assured that an enquiry will be conducted for fund lapses and soon pending work will start.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar