The Newz Radar
MANDI: The recent renovation of a footbridge connecting Drang Assembly constituency with the Pandoh-Mandi national highway near 9 Miles has sparked concerns among locals who have alleged corruption in the entire rebuilding process.
The locals allege widespread irregularities in the bridge’s renovation by the mechanical wing of the Public Works Department, accusing it of favouritism towards contractors. They are calling for an independent inquiry by a government agency.
An amount of Rs 16 lakh has been spent on maintaining the bridge, but only the steel structure was replaced, with no repairs made to the old concrete foundation. The old foundation had worn out, and both the steel beams and cement used in the foundation had lost their grip. Additionally, the new steel structure was installed onto the bridge, neglecting the base on which the bridge rests.
Even the railings on the sides of the bridge have drawn criticism from commuters who demand an increase from the current two feet to at least three feet to prevent accidents. Local resident Radha Krishan laments, “In case someone slips or stumbles, they will directly fall into the Beas river below. We demand it to be increased to at least three feet.”
Questions are also being raised about the construction of the Jhoola Pul by the same mechanical wing of the PWD in Pandoh, replacing the 100-year-old bridge, commonly known as “Lal Pul”, which was swept away during the flashfloods in July this year. The hanging bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 8 lakh, has been left hanging in the air and can be seen swinging in the middle, rendering it useless for the people.
JL Thakur, Executive Engineer of the PWD’s mechanical wing, said that he had not received any complaints regarding the matter. “The renovation and repair of the bridge were carried out according to the existing design. Civil work is not within the purview of the mechanical wing. We have followed the prescribed norms. In case of complaints, an on-site investigation will be conducted,” he said.
Regarding “Jhoola Pul”, the PWD officer noted that certain mischievous individuals had been tampering with the bridge, which had undergone repairs twice by the department.
