UDHAMPUR, Aug. 1 -- A year after the Ossi Bridge was washed away in flash floods, residents of Osu, Pakhlai and several adjoining areas continue to risk their lives by crossing a dangerous nallah every day due to the absence of a permanent bridge. Despite repeated assurances from the authorities, the reconstruction work has yet to begin, leaving thousands of people without a safe passage.
An Early Times team visited the spot and witnessed school children, elderly people, women and daily commuters carefully making their way across the rocky stream. During the monsoon season, the water level rises suddenly, making the crossing extremely dangerous. Locals said several people have narrowly escaped being swept away by the strong current in the ...