Suhail Rather

Bandipora, 18 Nov (KNS) : In view of the deteriorating condition of the Naininara Bridge on the Srinagar–Bandipora Road, the District Administration Bandipora has ordered its immediate closure to ensure public safety. A structural safety audit of the bridge, presently being conducted by the Superintending Engineer PWD in coordination with the Design Inspection & Quality Control (DIQC), has revealed that the bridge is in a critical state and continues to receive repeated damage-related complaints.

To prevent any imminent threat to life and property, District Magistrate Bandipora, Ms Indu Kanwal Chib (JKAS), exercising powers under Section 34(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, has issued strict directions for the closure of the bridge with immediate effect.

Key Directions Issued:

1. Immediate Closure:
The Naininara Bridge is closed to all vehicular and pedestrian movement until further notice and until it is certified safe by competent authorities.

2. Enforcement:
The SSP Bandipora, SSP Traffic Rural, and the Executive Engineer R&B Sumbal have been tasked to ensure strict compliance with the closure order.

3. Barricading & Signage:
The Executive Engineer, R&B Sumbal, has been directed to install robust barricades on both ends of the bridge along with clear, high-visibility signage announcing the closure.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

4. Alternate Traffic Routes:
To ensure smooth traffic flow and minimal inconvenience to the public, the following diversion plan has been put in place:

Heavy Motor Vehicles (both directions):
Safapora – Manasbal – Barsoo (Ganderbal Road)

Light Motor Vehicles (Up Traffic: Sumbal → Bandipora):
Sumbal – Naininara (Alternate Link) – Safapora

Light Motor Vehicles (Down Traffic: Bandipora → Sumbal):
Safapora – Manasbal – Barsoo (Ganderbal Road)

The administration has deployed additional traffic personnel to manage diversions and ensure minimal congestion on the alternate routes.

This order will remain in force until the bridge is declared structurally safe by the designated technical authorities. Any violation of this order will invite strict legal action under relevant laws.

The District Administration has appealed to the public to cooperate and follow the diversion plan for their own safety.(KNS)