Several villages in the Bhalesa area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district remain cut off months after flash floods and heavy rainfall destroyed key footbridges in August and September. With no repair or reconstruction work undertaken so far, thousands of residents continue to face severe disruption to daily life and essential services.

In Panchayat Tolaghara’s Kathala region, hamlets including Kathala, Chash, Upper Sanwara, Sagwara and Nagani have been isolated since the floods washed away their only footbridge. Villagers are currently forced to cross the river on foot, a route they describe as dangerous and increasingly unpredictable. Locals said at least seven people have drowned in recent months while attempting to navigate the fast-moving water.

Residents noted that their demand for a permanent footbridge at Kathala is longstanding and has been raised repeatedly with the authorities. They said successive administrations offered assurances but no structure was built, leaving the communities exposed each monsoon season. The recent deaths have renewed calls for urgent government action.

The lack of connectivity has created particular hardship for schoolchildren, elderly residents and those requiring medical care, who must travel regularly to health centres in nearby areas. Farmers have also reported losses due to their inability to transport produce to markets.

Local groups from Sanwara and other disconnected areas said nearly 3,000 people are affected and have appealed once again for immediate intervention by the district administration. They have urged the government to sanction and construct a safe, durable footbridge before winter conditions make access even more difficult.

Residents warned that without timely action, more lives could be at risk as the river becomes increasingly hazardous during seasonal weather changes. They stressed that restoring connectivity is essential to prevent further tragedies and ensure basic services reach the isolated communities.