By Our Staff Reporter
Rishikesh, 17 Aug: Vehicular traffic has been banned on the Ramjhula Bridge near here, which is a major centre of tourist and pilgrim attraction. The decision has been taken owing to the cracks that have development on one side of the bridge’s foundation due to continuous rains. Once the cracks were noticed, all movement on the bridge was stopped at the direction of SDM, Rishikesh. The police put up barricades to stop the locals as well as the tourists from using the Ram Jhula Bridge. The cracks have been noticed on the Tehri side of the bridge.
However, later, after an inspection, the bridge was opened for pedestrians but it remains out of bounds for vehicles. It may be recalled that only two wheelers were allowed to pass over the bridge as it is narrow.
It is being stated that the cracks have surfaced due to rise in the level of water of the Ganga due to excessive rains, and all the movement was stopped even for the pedestrians. Later, a team of Public Works Department (PWD) Engineers was summoned which conducted an inspection of the erosion of the foundation of the bridge. After the preliminary inspection, the PWD approved permission for pedestrian traffic but denied permission for two wheelers to pass.
Ashutosh, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Narendra Nagar Construction Division, noted that a landslide has occurred about 5 metres ahead of the foundation of the bridge. But there is no danger to the bridge at present. However, as a matter of precaution, movement of two wheelers on the bridge has been stopped.
