Uttarakhand Government has decided to preserve iconic Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge as a heritage structure and build another bridge near it for convenience of the tourists and locals. The Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat informed Yamkeshwar MLA, Ritu Khanduri Kumar who called upon him at CM residence on Saturday that a new bridge would be built near the existing one.
On Friday, the Uttarakhand Government had closed the bridge after a technical report found the 90 year old structure unfit for the traffic load it is subjected to.
The CM said that the State Government had asked the experts of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to undertake a feasibility study on Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge. The experts in their report have submitted that the condition of the bridge is not suited for heavy traffic flow especially two and four wheelers should not be allowed to ply over it. He said that in view of Kanwad Fair, where Lakhs of pilgrims arrive, it would not be proper to allow traffic over the bridge. The CM said that the officials concerned have been directed to find an alternative of the bridge. He added that Lakshman Jhula is part of the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand and it enjoys an international reputation. The suspension bridge is very popular among the tourists and many movies in the past were shot here. Rawat opined that the bridge can be preserved as a heritage structure and for it a plan with the help of experts is being prepared.
Later talking to The Pioneer, Yamkeshwar MLA, Ritu Khanduri Kumar said that the closing of traffic on the bridge would create problems for the local people and tourists.
She however added that safety should be foremost for everyone and keeping this in mind the iconic bridge has been closed. The MLA said that she would request the people affected by the closure decision to show patience and cooperate with the administration till an alternate bridge is constructed.
The 450 ft long and with a span of five feet, Lakshman Jhula built over river Ganga near holy town of Rishikesh was opened for public in the year 1930. The busy suspension bridge connects Tehri district with Jonk village of Pauri district.