BJP legislator stops bridge work, says it blocks view of Ganga river

The Uttar Pradesh irrigation department was forced to stop the construction work of a foot bridge over Ganga in Haridwar on Friday after BJP member of parliament from Nainital, Bhagat Singh Koshyari raised an objection.

The MP alleged bridge was blocking the ‘magnificent’ view of the river from Dam Kothi – a Uttarakhand government lavish bungalow constructed by the Britons. Also, it was a threat to VIP’s staying at the government property.

As per sources, Koshyari reached the bungalow on Friday morning. He called upon UP irrigation officials and asked them for no objection certificate from the Uttarakhand government. As officials failed to show the certificate, Koshyari asked them to stop work.

Dam Kothi is one of the preferred places for VIP’s to stay. It faces towards the Ganga river where the bridge is coming up. UP has earmarked R 5 crores for the bridge and 60% of the work has already been completed.

UP irrigation officials said there was no need for them to seek a certificate from Uttarakhand as the stretch of the river falls under the jurisdiction of UP. It is learnt UP and Uttarakhand are yet to finalise on the distribution of assets.

“As of now, we have stopped construction work and a letter has been sent to the UP government for taking appropriate decision. But we will not able to stop the work for a long time until we do not get written objection from the Uttarakhand government,” said Susheel Yadav, sub-divisional officer of UP irrigation department.

HT tried speaking to the MP but his phone was switched off. However, earlier in the morning he spoke to a local TV channel and expressed concern.

MP ALLEGED THAT THE BRIDGE BLOCKED VIEW OF GANGA FROM DAM KOTHI A UTTRAKAHND GOVT BUNGALOW BUILT BY THE BRITISHERS