PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Jyotirmath
A bridge over the Tamak Nala, connecting the Malari National Highway and located about 37 km from Jyotirmath, was washed away after the stream swelled following heavy rainfall on Monday afternoon, disrupting connectivity to more than a dozen villages in the border region.
The bridge, which was constructed only a month ago, was swept away by the surging water and strong currents. With the bridge gone, movement to several border villages has come to a complete standstill.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the route during the monsoon. A permanent bridge at the same location was also washed away last year after the Tamak Nala swelled. Locals said the bridge is repeatedly damaged or destroyed during the rainy season whenever the stream overflows.
Local resident Prem Singh Butola said the bridge was washed away after the water level in the stream suddenly rose in the afternoon.
Jyotirmath Sub-Divisional Magistrate Chandrashekhar Vashishth said the extent of damage was being assessed. A BRO employee was reportedly missing following the incident, while teams of the SDRF, NDRF and district administration had proceeded to the site, SDM added.
