Several villages in the Bhalesa area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district remain cut off months after flash floods and heavy rainfall destroyed key footbridges in August and September. With no repair or reconstruction work undertaken so far, thousands of residents continue to face severe disruption to daily life and essential services.

In Panchayat Tolaghara’s Kathala region, hamlets including Kathala, Chash, Upper Sanwara, Sagwara and Nagani have been isolated since the floods washed away their only footbridge. Villagers are currently forced to cross the river on foot, a route they describe as dangerous and increasingly unpredictable. Locals said at least seven people have drowned in recent months while attempting to navigate the fast-moving water.

Residents noted that their demand for

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