Karnah, Aug 8 (JKNS): Fulfilling a long-pending demand of the people of Sub-Division Karnah, approval has been granted under the UT Capex Budget for the construction of two footbridges at Kundi and Dildar over Nallah Batta Moji to facilitate safe pedestrian movement.
The approval of the two projects has brought a wave of happiness among the people living in the surrounding areas, who have expressed gratitude to the government and concerned representatives.
According to details, the estimated cost of each of the two footbridges to be constructed at Kundi and Dildar has been fixed at ₹40 lakh, while an initial amount of ₹12 lakh for each bridge has been allocated at the first stage.
The projects are aimed at providing the population living on both sides of Nallah Bat Moji with a safe, convenient and shorter route for crossing the water channel.
For years, the residents of the area have faced considerable difficulties in movement due to Nallah Bat Moji. The problem becomes particularly severe during the rainy and winter seasons, when the water level in the nallah rises, making it difficult and sometimes unsafe for people to cross from one side to the other.
Students face difficulties in reaching schools and educational institutions, while women and elderly residents often struggle to travel for essential activities. Similarly, daily wage workers and people engaged in various professional and livelihood activities face inconvenience in commuting on a regular basis.
The construction of the footbridges at Kundi and Dildar is expected to improve connectivity between the populations on both sides of the nallah and reduce the need for residents to take longer or unsafe routes to cross it.
Locals said the projects are not merely the construction of two bridges but represent an important step towards strengthening basic infrastructure and improving public facilities in the area.
According to sources, the sustained efforts of Karnah MLA Javid Ahmad Mirchal played an important role in securing approval for the projects. By highlighting public issues, particularly the shortage of basic facilities in remote and difficult areas of Karnah, the MLA has been pursuing the construction of the footbridges on a priority basis.
MLA Javid Ahmad Mirchal said that promises made to the people are being translated into reality in a phased manner and that providing basic facilities in the remote areas of Karnah remains among his top priorities. He said continuous coordination is being maintained with the concerned departments to address issues related to connectivity, roads, bridges, healthcare, education and other basic amenities.
He further said that the construction of the footbridges at Kundi and Dildar would directly benefit the local population, particularly students, women, elderly people and those who travel daily for work and other essential activities. According to him, the primary objective of development projects is to reduce the everyday difficulties faced by the people and ensure access to basic facilities in remote areas.
Meanwhile, residents of Kundi, Dildar and adjoining areas of Nallah Bat Moji have welcomed the approval of the footbridges, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-standing public necessity. Locals said the issue had remained unresolved for years and had repeatedly been brought to the notice of the concerned authorities on various occasions.
The residents expressed hope that, following the approval, the tendering process and other necessary formalities would be completed at the earliest and construction work would begin on the ground without unnecessary delay.
They also urged the concerned department to ensure …