A DAY after the Uttarakhand government ordered closure of the iconic Lakshman Jhula bridge in Rishikesh for pedestrian and vehicular movement, the state government on Saturday decided to explore possibilities to preserve the bridge as a heritage structure. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said Saturday a work plan will be prepared to maintain the bridge and preserve it. Explained: Why has the Uttarakhand govt shut down Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh The state government on Friday had ordered the immediate closure of the 96-year-old bridge after a technical study report stated that it is in a distressed state and any movement on it can lead to a mishap. Rawat said that a decision has been taken to develop a bridge as alternative to the Lakshman Jhula. He said that six months ago, experts of IIT-Roorkee six were asked to conduct a feasibility study of the bridge and the report stated that the structure is not in a condition to further allow movement of pedestrian and vehicles. He added that in view of the upcoming Kanwar Mela continuing movement on the bridge would not be appropriate. The CM said that officials have been directed to develop an alternative of the bridge as soon as possible.
