Potholes on Balol Nullah Bridge pose threat to commuters

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 21

Continued neglect to carry out maintenance and repair of Balol Nullah Bridge, which connects the border town of RS Pura with Jammu city, is putting the lives of commuters at risk.

Despite its strategic value, the bridge is marked by potholes, without proper lighting making it difficult to pass through the area during the night. The bridge connects several villages along the volatile international border with Pakistan and is used by thousands of people daily to reach their destination in Jammu and other areas.

Government agencies, especially the Roads and Building Department (R&B), has failed to keep the bridge in good condition despite repeated pleas by the locals.

“It is very unfortunate that no step has been taken to carry out necessary repairs of the bridge. The administration should give due consideration to the road infrastructure in rural areas”, said Nirman Singh, a resident of Indira Nagar.

The bridge is also used by security forces to reach the border areas. “It’s not only about the road’s neglect but for the past several years, the roads leading to several villages, which are under the R&B Department, have not been blacktopped. These turn into cesspool during rains”, Gurjeet Singh, from Kharian village, Miran Sahib, said.

Meanwhile, the locals allege that despite ban imposed by the district administration sand mafia is also active and at times extracts material from the rivulet near the bridge.

“We can see several tractors lifting minor minerals near the bridge. This should be curbed by the district administration”, Reeta Devi from Satwari, said.

Nisar Goni, Chief Engineer (R&B), Jammu, expressed his ignorance about the poor upkeep of the bridge and said that he would ask the concerned engineer for details. “We have already given necessary instructions to carry out repairs. I will check why there is still no progress”, Goni said.

Cries for attention 

• Despite its strategic value, the of Balol Nullah Bridge is marked by potholes, without proper lighting making it difficult to pass through the area during the night. 
• The bridge connects several villages along the volatile international border with Pakistan and is used by thousands of people daily to reach their destination in Jammu and other areas.