Dehra Dun (TAN): Lakshman Jhula, the suspension bridge over River Ganga in Rishikesh in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand, has been closed to traffic, reports said.
The bridge, that is used by pedestrians, two-wheelers, and animals, was shut as experts felt it could no longer withstand more load. They also said there was a probability of parts of the bridge collapsing. The decision to close the 96-year-old bridge was taken to avoid any disaster.
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“It is highly recommended that the bridge should be closed with immediate effect otherwise any big mishap can take place anytime,” the team of experts examining Lakshman Jhula was quoted by media reports as saying.
Additional Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand Government, Om Prakash, reportedly said the condition of the bridge had deteriorated owing to an extraordinary rise in traffic in recent times. He added that the bridge towers seem to be inclined towards one side.
The iconic bridge, built in 1923, connects Tapovan village in Tehri district on the western bank of the river with Jonk in Pauri district. One of the most popular attractions for tourists and devotees, it is frequented by people who come to the holy town of Rishikesh from all parts of the world.
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Lakshman Jhula is named after the Hindu mythological character Lakshman who is believed to have crossed the river from the exact spot with the help of jute ropes. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Uttarakhand town is known for its yoga ashrams and Ganga aarti.
