Himachal: Six months on, Falachan bridge remains missing link in Tirthan

In the remote gram panchayat of Mashiyar in Banjar subdivision of Kullu district, the construction of the crucial road Bridge on village road has remained stalled for over six months after it was washed away in a devastating natural disaster triggered by heavy rains on August 13 last year.The vehicle-worthy bridge, built over the Falachan river, served as a lifeline for nearly 500-600 residents of Kameda, Manjhli and Mashiyar villages in the Tirthan valley region. During the floods, two pedestrian bridges were also swept away, severing connectivity to the area.According to area residents, although the local administration later constructed one pedestrian bridge and a temporary suspension bridge to partially restore movement, work on the most vital structure, the motorable Bailey bridge, has yet to begin. Even after over six months, authorities have neither finalised the exact site for reconstruction nor initiated foundation work.In the absence of a motorable bridge, villagers from Kameda, Manjhli and Mashiyar are compelled to cross the Falachan river directly to access essential services. Schoolchildren studying in Bathad are also risking their safety by wading through the river to attend classes.While the water level is currently low enough to allow pedestrians and small vehicles to pass with difficulty, residents warn that the situation is far from safe. With snow beginning to melt in the higher reaches, water level in the river is expected to rise significantly in the coming weeks. The onset of the monsoon season could further worsen conditions in June, July and August, potentially cutting off the villages entirely.Former Vice Pradhan of Mashiyar panchayat, Prakash Thakur, along with former ward member Bhag Chand and several residents including Lal Chand Kardar, Het Ram, Heera Lal, Amar Bharti, Dalip Singh, Gopal Krishan, Darbari Lal, Dharam Chand, Uttam Ram, Ram Krishan and Dur Singh, have urged the administration to immediately commence foundation work for the Bridge.They argue that the current low water level presents an ideal window to lay the foundation. Any further delay, they warn, will make construction far more difficult once the river swells due to snowmelt and monsoon rains.The villagers have appealed to the state government, the Deputy Commissioner of Kullu and the Public Works Department to prioritise the bridge’s reconstruction to prevent serious hardship in the near future.Prakash Thakur emphasised that for this remote region, the bridge is not merely an infrastructure project but a critical link to life and development. “Timely commencement of construction is essential for the safety and convenience of the people,” he said.Former ward member Bhag Chand added that if work does not begin before the monsoon, residents of the area may face severe difficulties in the coming months.As the region braces for rising river levels, the delay in rebuilding this essential bridge continues to heighten concerns among the affected communities in Tirthan valley.XEN Public Works Department at Banjar Chaman Singh Thakur said the department has sent DPR of this road project for sanction under PMGSY-4. Soon the site will be inspected for the construction of bridge and funds will be approved for its construction under Central Government-sponsored scheme PMGSY-4.

Himachal: Six months on, Falachan bridge remains missing link in Tirthan

Lifeline lost: Villagers wade through river as PWD awaits PMGSY-4 sanction

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Himachal: Six months on, Falachan bridge remains missing link in Tirthan

Lifeline lost: Villagers wade through river as PWD awaits PMGSY-4 sanction

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

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