Mendhar, July 21:
A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall has washed away the newly constructed bridge in Chhatral area of Mendhar, Poonch district, severing road connectivity for several villages in the region.
Residents of Chhatral and surrounding areas have raised serious concerns over the quality of construction, alleging that substandard material was used in building the bridge. They pointed out that the structure, which was meant to withstand monsoon conditions, failed to last even a single season.
As a result of the bridge collapse, many villages—including Chhatral Kalaban, and nearby hamlets—have been cut off from the tehsil headquarters, causing significant hardship to commuters, patients, and students.
“The bridge was our only lifeline to Mendhar town. Now we’re stranded, and even emergency services are finding it hard to reach us,” said a local resident.
Locals are now demanding a high-level inquiry into the construction process and have urged the administration to begin immediate reconstruction work to restore connectivity.
