Satpokhran, August 4, 2024, 6:30 PM – In a startling visit to Satpokhran, Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat expressed profound concern upon learning about a distressing incident linked to the area’s long-neglected bridge, which has remained unfinished for eight years. The bridge, crucial for connecting Nagander, Satpokhran Zaintrage, Bathen, Ismail Colony Satpokhran, Gujjar Basti Badwalo, and Gujjar Basti Bajnadi to Khrew in Tehsil Pampore, District Pulwama, has become a symbol of bureaucratic inertia and public hardship.
The incident that highlighted the bridge’s neglect involved a pregnant woman from Zaintrage who had to walk over a kilometer around 11:20 AM due to the incomplete structure, exposing the community to unnecessary risks and inconveniences. “We live in the 21st century, yet we face such avoidable hardships. It is both unfortunate and shameful for the concerned departments and contractors who have left this bridge unfinished for the last eight years,” Dr. Bhat stated, visibly moved by the situation.
During his visit, dozens of locals gathered in Satpokhran to voice their grievances. Among them were Sarpanch Mukhtar Ahmad of Satpokhran and Sarpanch Farooq Ahmad Wani of Wuyan, along with other residents who shared their struggles with Dr. Bhat. The temporary road they currently rely on is thanks to a local crusher owner’s courtesy, who has allowed traffic to pass through his land.
Dr. Bhat made an urgent appeal to the Chief Engineer, urging immediate action to complete the bridge and alleviate the community’s suffering. “I have requested the Chief Engineer to address this issue as soon as possible to prevent further hardships for the adjacent areas,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Dr. Bhat addressed several media channels via phone, stressing that the matter requires top-priority attention. His visit and subsequent advocacy have reignited hope among the residents for a swift resolution.
“This bridge is not just a piece of infrastructure; it’s a lifeline for the people of this area. Its completion is essential for their safety, convenience, and dignity,” Dr. Bhat added, promising to persistently push the concerned authorities until the bridge is finished and operational.
The ongoing struggle of the Satpokhran community underscores a broader issue of infrastructure neglect and the urgent need for government accountability and action. Dr. Bhat’s intervention serves as a clarion call for immediate resolution, ensuring that no more lives are put at risk due to bureaucratic delays and unfinished projects.
