Kullu: Bajaura bridge dotted with potholes, locals allege apathy

Abhinav Vashisht

Kullu, July 31

The double-lane road connecting the Gadsa valley to Bajaura is in dilapidated condition due to lack of proper maintenance and misuse. The concrete surface has worn out and the road is dotted with potholes. In few spots, iron plates can also be observed. Interestingly, the bridge was repaired in September last year.

Inspection carried out

A joint inspection of the damaged bridge has been done and the PWD has been asked to prepare an estimate to repair it. As soon as the estimate is received, the budget will be approved. NHPC officials

The locals on several occasion have demanded the authorities concerned to maintain the bridge properly and have even blocked the road to press their issues, but no concrete effort has been taken so far. The bridge was constructed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for its Parbati Hydro Electric Project in 2001.

The peeved residents blame the NKC company — which has been carrying out four-laning work of the Jia-Bhuntar stretch for the past 4 years — for the poor condition of the bridge. A local, Veer, says bulk material used in construction and debris are being carried on dumpers through the bridge. “The bridge can bear a load of up to 25 tonnes but the dumpers often carry materials weighing more than this… Sometimes even more than 45 tonnes,” he says.

Another resident, Ashish, says the pitiable condition of the bridge pose a risk to the vehicles passing through it. “The girders of the bridge have weakened. Residents of score of panchayats, including Gadsa, Shiyah, Bhadeuli, Dhara, Hurla, Tharas, Khoda Agaar, Sachani and Diyar, use the bridge. But it is under threat of collapsing as NKC company has been misusing it,” he adds.

The locals claim that they have approached the management of NKC, but to no avail. Now, the residents have asked the district administration to order the company concerned to repair the bridge.

The NHPC authorities said a joint inspection of the damaged bridge has been done and the Public Works Department has been asked to prepare an estimate to repair it. As soon as the estimate is received, the budget will be approved, the authorities added.