Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh Shut After 90 Years As Experts Term it Unsafe and Beyond Repair
The bridge, which was constructed during the British Raj over River Ganga, was shut by the Uttarakhand government on Friday after a team of experts termed it unsafe. The iconic suspension bridge, which is one of the main attractions in Rishikesh, draws thousands of visitors on a daily basis. It is a pedestrian bridge that is also used by motorbikes.
Dehradun, July 13: Lakshman Jhula, the 90-year-old suspension bridge in Rishikesh, has been shut due to its dilapidated condition. The bridge, which was constructed during the British Raj over River Ganga, was shut by the Uttarakhand government on Friday after a team of experts termed it unsafe. The iconic suspension bridge, which is one of the main attractions in Rishikesh, draws thousands of visitors on a daily basis. It is a pedestrian bridge that is also used by motorbikes. Haridwar And Rishikesh to Soon Get 100% Sewage Treatment Facility Under Namami Gange Project.
The expert panel of Public Works Department (PWD), in its recent study, said that the bridge was out of bounds for pedestrians and traffic and was not in a position to sustain any more load. On Saturday, locals staged a protest against Rishikesh administration's order to temporarily shut 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge on river Ganga.
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Uttarakhand Additional Chief Secretary Om Prakash said the expert team observed that several components of the bridge are in very bad condition and it the bridge should not permitted for pedestrian movement from now onwards. "It is not in a position to sustain any more with the present condition. "It is highly recommended this bridge be closed with immediate effect, else some big mishap could take place", Prakash said.
The iconic Lakshman Jhula was constructed by the Uttar Pradesh public works department in 1924. It was later opened to traffic in 1930. The suspension bridge across the river Ganges, connects the two villages of Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal district, on the west bank of the river, to Jonk in Pauri Garhwal district, on the east bank.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2019 02:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).