In the high-altitude region of Malla Johar (Munsiyari Tehsil), located near the China border, a footbridge connecting Sumtu to Tola and Khilach has been damaged. Villagers are forced to cross the river by walking over wooden planks.
The damage to the bridge is causing significant hardship for locals, families returning from seasonal migration, and shepherds. The bridge is in such a precarious state that people are compelled to cross on a single log, creating a risk of accidents. Shepherds are also facing great difficulty moving their livestock across.
Bhavna Danu, the District Panchayat member for the Madkot area, has urged the District Magistrate of Pithoragarh to take immediate cognizance of the matter. She has requested that the concerned department be directed to repair the bridge quickly to restore smooth passage, thereby providing relief to locals, migrating families, and shepherds, and preventing potential mishaps. The Nanda Ashtami festival is approaching; it is celebrated with great fervor in Malla Johar, drawing villagers back to their homes from outside areas. In the first fortnight of next month, villagers will begin returning from their seasonal migration towards Munsiyari. Any delay in repairing the bridge could disrupt this migration, as conditions could become critical if snowfall occurs in the region.
