Srinagar, April 16 -- Residents of Gandbal Batwara of Srinagar district on Tuesday expressed strong resentment over inordinate delay in the construction of footbridge over river Jhelum in the area, saying "Had it been constructed on time many precious lives could have been saved".

The residents who were mourning the death of six persons who lost their lives after the boat they were boarded in capsized in river Jhelum on Tuesday morning appealed authorities to take effective measures for averting further incidents in future. The tragedy left several households devastated as several school going children died in the mishap while few are still missing.

The Police, Army, NDRF and SDRF teams have been pressed into service for rescue operatio...