Damaged in floods last year, bridge on Suketi river in Mandi not yet restored

Residents of Behna and Bhadiyal gram panchayats in Mandi district are upset over the prolonged delay in the restoration of a vital bridge on the Suketi river at Gutkar that connects several villages to a road. This bridge was severely damaged due to floods in August last year and closed to traffic.

Local villagers, particularly of Behna and Bhadiyal panchayats, are suffering due to this damaged bridge. Schoolchildren, daily wage workers and employees in both government and private sectors have to take longer alternative routes (around 4 km) to reach their destinations.

Local residents Suresh Sharma, Rakesh Kumar and Labh Singh lament that the bridge was damaged over a year ago but the Public Works Department (PWD) had not reconstructed it. “We have been waiting desperately for the restoration of the bridge,” they added and urged the PWD to expedite the reconstruction work. “The completion of this bridge will bring immense relief to daily commuters.”

Meanwhile, Executive Engineer, PWD, DR Chauhan says that construction material has been procured and the work on the bridge is underway. “The bridge has been connected to the main road on the one side and we are developing an approach link on the other to ensure a smooth connection,” he adds. Chauhan is optimistic that the bridge will be ready for normal traffic in October.

Schoolchildren, daily wage workers hassled

Local villagers, particularly of Behna and Bhadiyal panchayats, are suffering due to this damaged bridge. Schoolchildren, daily wage workers and employees in both government and private sectors have to take longer alternative routes (around 4 km) to reach their destinations.