Ganderbal, July 13: Local hoteliers in Lashpatri, near Sonamarg, have appealed to the administration to immediately restore road connectivity by constructing a permanent bridge and repairing the road damaged in the recent cloudburst and flash floods.

The appeal follows Sunday's natural disaster, which washed away an iron bridge built by local hotel owners through their collective contributions and destroyed nearly half a kilometre of the approach road, cutting off access to the popular tourist destination.

According to the hoteliers, the temporary iron bridge had been constructed with pooled resources to facilitate the movement of tourists and local residents. However, the structure was swept away by the floodwaters, leaving the area disconnected.

Seeking urgent government intervention, they said the construction of a permanent bridge and early restoration of the damaged road were vital to re establish connectivity and minimise disruption to tourism related activities.

They noted that Lashpatri serves as the gateway to the renowned Seven Lakes trek and attracts a significant number of trekkers and visitors every year. The prolonged disruption, they said, could adversely affect tourism and the livelihoods of families dependent on the sector.

The hoteliers urged the authorities to prioritise the restoration of the damaged infrastructure so that normal access can be restored before the peak tourist season is impacted.