Rishikesh, Earlier this winter, I remember walking down the length and breadth of Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh with my in-laws and daughter. Three generations: the older ones relived memories of its past glory whilst my daughter made new memories with her grandfather and father. Carefully I wove her through a maze of cows and bulls walking, some squatting in the middle of the bridge, and soaking in the balmy winter sun, but undisturbed by the people crowding the narrow bridge that shuddered with two-wheelers zipping by.
Recently this iconic landmark was closed to pedestrians and two wheelers as the Public Work Department deemed it unfit. There were signs of wear and tear on the 450 feet long suspension bridge. Laxman Jhula had always been the lifeline to villages falling within the Tapovan area of Tehri on the west and joined Jonk in Pauri District on the east bank.
Constructed in 1923, the bridge has traditionally been a crowd-puller for pilgrims visiting Rishikesh. Hindu mythology has it that Lakshman, the younger brother of Ram, crossed the Ganga here making a suspension bridge from jute where the bridge stands.
Shopkeepers who have, over the years aligned themselves enroute to the aging bridge voiced their concern stating, sealing the bridge would cut off our livelihood, local administration was concerned, how lakhs of Kanwars making their way to Neelkant Temple this season would have to make a longer detour. But the State Government stood firm, knowing well, the suspension bridge had served its purpose and now safety, was priority.
Additional Chief Secretary Om Prakash stated, “It is unable to sustain the load of even pedestrians after some of its components were found in poor and “failing” condition. Closing it to traffic with immediate effect has been recommended failing which an accident is waiting to happen any time. “
Laxman Jhula has served generations living as well as visiting the yoga and spiritual capital of the World, but Time has caught up with it and has steadily eroded the bridge and as the Chief Minister of the State put it, “Laxman Jhula is the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand, all possible efforts will be made to preserve it.”
