Shut down of Lakshman Jhula takes a toll on local traders

The iconic Lakshman Jhula at Rishikesh, built during colonial times, was shut for vehicles and pedestrians earlier this month and while the decision was taken due to safety concerns, it has massively hurt the local businesses around its vicinity.

The state administration had shut the 96-year-old bridge for people on July 15 as the Public Works Department here said an IIT report had found it to be unsafe for people. There were protests in the state but the state government under Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat had said that there can be no compromise with the safety of people.

Two major markets close to the bridge, Tapovan Bazaar and Lakshman Jhula Bazaar, have been severely affected with a massive decline in footfall. Some local traders here said that their sales have come down drastically and that those among them who had taken loans are now at a point where they won't be able to pay back banks. Despite a large number of Kanwariyas in Rishikesh, the traders are incurring losses in their business as compared to the previous years. The situation is even grimmer for roadside sellers who used to camp with their goods on the bridge but they are now forced to set up their stalls elsewhere.

It is reported that since the bridge was shut down, tourists, pilgrims, local traders, and police personnel have been engaged in a tussle. Many tourists are unaware of the attraction being shut and end up arguing with local cops deputed in the area. Pilgrims too often make way towards the bridge, either out of habit or in the hopes of finding a way to use it.

The state administration, however, remains determined to ensure the safety of all and had already announced that the construction of an alternate bridge would begin soon.

Zee Media Newsroom