J-K: Pul Doda bridge closed for traffic after crack develops amid heavy rainfall
Doda, July 27
Authorities have closed the Pul Doda Bridge for all vehicular traffic after a crack was noticed on the bridge amid continuous heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district.
The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Police and the district administration have restricted traffic movement, while the bridge is being assessed by the concerned engineering authorities.
Continuous rainfall over the past several days has affected normal life across the district, triggering landslides, road closures, and raising concerns over the safety of public infrastructure.
Speaking to ANI, highlighting the ongoing infrastructure and development projects in the district, Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Doda, Anil Mehra, stated that execution teams are working on a war footing to improve road connectivity and public infrastructure across far-flung areas.
"Our primary focus in Doda is to ensure that remote and hilly villages get seamless road connectivity and durable public infrastructure. Works on key roads and bridges are progressing rapidly, and we are adhering to strict quality control and completion deadlines to provide long-term relief to the local population," said Anil Mehra, Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Doda.
Earlier on July 25, Continuous heavy rainfall in Doda district led to the temporary closure of the Doda-Pul Doda Road and the Pul Doda-Ghat GMC Road. Several link roads were also blocked.
Speaking to ANI, Doda Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal said the situation is being regularly monitored as rivers and streams in the district are in spate.
He said people living in areas near the river were relocated to safer places after the water level rose. He added that 56 interior roads in Doda district remain closed due to the continuous rainfall, while restoration work is underway.
"It's raining throughout the district, and the situation is being regularly monitored. Our rivers and streams are also flooded, so all our field functionaries are keeping an eye on the situation. Yesterday, the river's water level rose, so we relocated people from nearby areas in Doda to safer places. So, the situation is under control," Lal said.
He further added, "Due to continuous rain, about 56 interior roads in Doda district are closed, and our restoration work is ongoing. But as you know, the continuous rain is hampering our restoration work," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Hope the authorities assess the bridge thoroughly and repair it properly. Lives are more important than shortcuts. 🙏 Doda needs better drainage systems too to prevent such damage every year.
It seems like the rains are becoming more intense in the region. Is climate change making this worse? The article says rivers are in spate. Good to see proactive measures but I worry for the people in remote areas whose roads are cut off.
This is what happens when haste is made to build infrastructure without proper geological surveys. Our engineers need to factor in extreme weather events. The war footing approach is good but quality cannot be compromised. 🚧
Thankful that no one was harmed and authorities acted in time. But 56 interior roads closed is a big number! The district administration should have emergency supplies and medical facilities ready for those affected. We need better disaster preparedness in J&K.
The DC says situation is under control, but when 56 roads are closed, it means people are stranded. Hope the restoration work happens fast. Also, our country needs to spend more on climate-resilient infrastructure in Himalayan states. 🌧️
I appreciate the swift precautionary
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