Rishikesh: Iconic Lakshman Jhula closed down

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Rishikesh: Iconic Lakshman Jhula closed down
Rishikesh: Iconic Lakshman Jhula closed down

Rishikesh : The Uttarakhand government has ordered an immediate closure of the Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh after PWD report suggested that the bridge is in a distress condition.

The iconic suspension bridge, across the Ganga, is 96 years old and connects the districts of Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal.

On paper, the bridge is for the use of pedestrians, but it was being used often by the motorcycle users.

Following the fresh order, officials have started barricading both sides of the bridge.

According to an order by Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, Om Prakash issued on Friday, the PWD had submitted a report to the government, stating that the Lakshman Jhula has become dilapidated due to an unprecedented rise in traffic.The report further said that the bridge s towers appear to be leaning to one side. Due to a further increase in traffic load, there is a possibility of bridge getting damaged in future and possibilities of loss of lives then, cannot be ruled out, the order read.

The order also cited a technical study that says, We observed that most of the bridge parts/components are in FAIL and COLLAPSE condition. This bridge should not be permitted for pedestrian movement.

Citing the study report, the order directed that Lakshman Jhula be closed from July 12 onwards.

There is another bridge, Ram Jhula. But with the closure of Lakshman Jhula, the pressure of traffic on Ram Jhula will increase. The SSP said that they want at least two alternate bridges.