Tihidi: Six years have passed since the laying of the foundation stone, but the construction of a new bridge across Mantri river at Doharasahi in Bahabalapur panchayat of in Bhadrak district is yet to see the light of the day.
The absence of a proper bridge is causing serious problems to daily commuters living on both sides of the river.
At some places, people have constructed temporary bamboo-made bridges to go from one side to the other. There is also another bridge built 12 years back. But it is in a very dilapidated state. In spite of that, locals use it risking their lives as they have no other option.
It must be stated here that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation stone February 11, 2013 for the construction of a new bridge at a cost of Rs 6.25 crore. Locals in the area had then thought that their plight would end soon. Sadly it is far from over.
The inordinate delay in construction has left people fuming. They are blaming the district officials for it.
It should also be stated here that the state Rural Development Department had sanctioned Rs 2.35 crore to repair and widen the already existing structure. That also hasn’t happened and the locals blame a contractor for it.
The present wooden bridge was constructed with efforts of the locals. However, lack of maintenance and daily wear and tear has taken a toll on it. Social activist Basant Kumar Das said that it has to be repaired on an urgent basis or else mishaps may happen. He added that it can still be used till the construction of the new bridge is completed.
The construction of the new bridge is very important as it will facilitate travel for thousands, informed sarpanch Bipin Behera.
Meanwhile when contacted Pranab Mohapatra, junior engineer of the Rural Development Department, said that the contractor has been asked expedite the expansion of the old bridge as quickly as possible.
PNN
