JAMMU: The army and Border Road Organisation (BRO) have come to the rescue of several villages along the Line of Control by constructing a bridge over Sukh Tao stream on the Rajouri-Poonch National Highway in Rajouri district.
"Sukh Tao stream near Rajouri separates the Rajouri- Poonch National Highway from the areas across it. Numerous attempts were made in the past to bridge the stream, by constructing causeways. However, due to heavy rain and flash floods experienced in the region, the causeways would be washed off," a defence spokesman said.
He said the residents as well as Army troops deployed near the Line of Control in the proximity of the stream were facing difficulties in carriage of essential goods.
"Survey of bridge site was carried out by Chief Engineer, Project Sampark with Commander 31 Task Force. On confirmation of a suitable site to construct a Bailey Bridge, 31 Task Force of Project Sampark commenced construction of nine-metre high concrete abutments under heavy rain and difficult conditions involving diversion of water channels," he said.
He said that the challenge of bridging the gap was increased multi-fold due to availability of very restricted backspace for launching the bridge necessitating number of improvisations on ground.
"Working day and night, BRO men completed construction of the Reinforced Bailey Bridge. This bridge has added to the enhancement of quality of life of the local people besides restoring connectivity to the troops on the Line of Control, facilitating movement of stores, supplies and evacuations of casualty," he said.