Villagers block Purola road for 4 hrs, demand bridge over Kamal river

Uttarkashi: Residents of several Purola villages blocked Naogaon-Purola motor road for nearly four hours on Sunday, demanding a permanent bridge over Kamal river, two years after the previous structure was washed away in the 2023 floods and left over 400 people struggling with unsafe access.The protest, led by social activist Prakash Kumar, disrupted traffic on both sides of the road and led to long queues of vehicles. Kumar said villagers have repeatedly approached authorities but work has not begun. “We have been demanding a replacement bridge for years and have received several verbal assurances from authorities, but no work has started on the ground,” he said.Residents of Talda, Sunara Chhani, Thali, Vingadera Malli and nearby villages said the absence of a bridge has made daily movement difficult, especially during monsoon when Kamal river swells. Villager Ankit Ramola said people have to physically assist children, elderly residents and patients across the river. “We have to help children, elderly people and patients cross the river because it is risky,” he said.Sachin Kumar, a resident of Talda, said lack of access forced him to live outside the village. “Many others have also been forced to leave the village for the same reason,” he said, adding that the issue has begun affecting families’ ability to continue living in the area.The blockade ended after Purola sub-divisional magistrate Mukesh Ramola reached the site and assured protesters that an interim trolley would be installed within a week. “The villagers’ concerns have been taken seriously. Steps will be taken to secure early approval for the Detailed Project Report prepared for the construction of a permanent bridge at Talda,” Ramola said.