SRINAGAR: The Public Works Department (PWD) today issued a rebuttal in response to the news article by a local Urdu daily regarding damage to Bakhiakher bridge in Handwara area of Kupwara district due to recent rains and subsequent floods during the intervening night of 15-16 April 2024.

The PWD in its statement rebutted that the said bridge had already got damaged in 2014 flood and was rendered non-trafficable for all types of vehicles.

The statement added that the reconstruction of the bridge stands already sanctioned under NABARD Loan funding during the previous financial year 2023-24.

After completion of the tendering process in March 2024, Letter of Acceptance was to be issued to the 1st lowest bidder when MCC came into force, it said and added that the work on the bridge will now be started soon after lifting of MCC restrictions.