Tanvir Hussain
Budgam, July 02: In the aftermath of intense rainfall, a vital bridge over the Wamin Nallah in the Brass area of Arizal, Khansahib, collapsed on Wednesday, disrupting connectivity to several villages in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. The bridge gave way under the pressure of gushing floodwaters and accumulated debris, leaving hundreds of residents cut off from essential road access.
Locals said that the collapse was caused by the heavy flow of rainwater and silted debris that had gathered around the bridge’s foundation. As the stream overflowed, the mounting pressure led to the complete failure of the structure.
The damaged bridge had been the primary lifeline for several villages in the region, linking them to schools, healthcare centres, markets, and administrative offices. With its collapse, residents are now compelled to traverse long and arduous alternate routes, significantly affecting daily life.
“This bridge was our only direct route to the main town. Its collapse has isolated us,” lamented a local representative, who urged the district administration to begin immediate work on a durable concrete replacement.
Residents have called on the Budgam District Administration to treat the matter as an urgent priority, especially with the region bracing for further monsoon activity. They stressed that any delay in restoring the connectivity could pose greater hardships in the coming weeks.[KNT]
