The Diplomat Desk
Udhampur :TDD,A long-awaited development is taking shape in the village of Thard within Block Narsoo of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. After years of persistent demands from the local community, construction has finally begun on a crucial footbridge over Thard Nallah, marking a significant milestone for the region’s infrastructure development.
The ₹16.05 lakh project features a 36-foot span and is set to transform the daily lives of more than 2,500 residents, with students from three government schools being among the primary beneficiaries. For over a decade, the absence of a proper crossing has forced villagers, especially schoolchildren, to undertake perilous journeys across the nullah, with the situation becoming particularly dangerous during monsoon seasons when water levels rise significantly. This new infrastructure will eliminate the need for lengthy detours and the risky practice of waiting for water levels to recede during flooding episodes.
The impact of this development extends beyond educational access, reaching into the economic fabric of the community. Thard’s residents, who primarily depend on dairy farming for their livelihood, have long struggled with transporting their milk products to the markets of Udhampur. The construction of the footbridge promises to streamline these vital economic activities, opening up new opportunities for local dairy farmers to expand their business operations and improve their income potential. The project stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing rural infrastructure needs and represents a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of life for this remote community.TDD