It has been a decade, since the construction work on much needed Akhal Kangan Bridge of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district was started by R&B Department, but the work was left mid-way. “Since then, much suffering to the local people, no work on the bridge was initiated.”Although the foundation stone was laid in 2010 but only a pillar was raised after which the work on this bridge was left in the mid way for unknown reasons.Locals told news agency KNT that they had expected the bridge will be constructed in time but their hopes were dashed when the concerned department suspended work. “Despite repeated pleas, the concerned department didn’t resume the work,” they said. After continuous protest, the concerned department constructed a temporary bridge on Nallah Sindh, which has now been declared unsafe by the R&B department.The population of Akhal Kangan consists of thousands of people, including Najwan and Kunmal areas.Locals said that they are forced to travel by the alternate long routes in contrast to this short and easy route where no permanent bridge exists now.Even ladies with labour pain are forced to take long routes which result in deliberate deliveries on the footpaths instead in the hospitals, locals added.“If temporary bridge has been declared unsafe, why then it has been kept open for people. Who will be responsible if something untoward happens tomorrow,” they told KNT.Locals appealed to LG Mr GC Murmu and concerned authorities to look into the matter and fulfill their long pending demand. (KNT)