Handwara, Mar 24 (KNS): The incessant rains followed by flash floods on Wednesday morning damaged a portion of bridge over Nallah Mawer at Batgund area of Mawer Handwara in north Kashmir.

According to the reports, the vehicular traffic was suspended soon after portion of bridge collapsed. 

The residents of the area alleged that some miscreants are illegally extracting minerals from Nallah which has changed the course of water; leading to the damage to the bridge. 

They also demanded the immediate restoration of the bridge as dozens of villages have been disconnected with its Tehsil headquarters.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service at Batgund, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Imam din said, “those who are illegally extracting the Minerals from the Nallah will be booked under PSA.”

He said the he will take an immediate meeting with the concerned officials and within 3-4 days it will be made functional on temporary basis. (KNS)