Nayagarh: An old bridge across river Dahuka in Thuabari under Nuagaon block of this district collapsed Friday night due to heavy rain leaving two panchayats – Paradhipi and Maichheli – cut off from the rest of the world. No loss of life was reported so far.
More than 20,000 people residing in these panchayats have been affected, it was learnt.
According to reports, the bridge was constructed several years back across the river near Mahipur community health centre (CHC) for the convenience of the people of the two panchayats. In due course, concrete plasters and iron rods started falling off the bridge. With the bridge on verge of collapse, the rural development (RD) department had granted Rs 3.27 crore for construction of another bridge near the site.
The department awarded the project to a contractor about three years back and the deadline for its completion was 18 months.
However, the bridge is yet to be completed even as the deadline expired more than a year ago.
Locals blamed it on the lack of sincerity on the part of the department officials and the consultancy firm.
“There is little chance that communication can be restored at an early date. Though the construction of the bridge began three years back, the project is yet to see the light of the day. This clearly indicates the negligence, carelessness and irresponsible attitude of the district officials,” alleged a villager.
The old bridge couldn’t withstand the heavy flow of water Friday night and collapsed, said another villager. Fortunately, the structure caved in during night and no one was on the bridge, he added.
Meanwhile, people of several villages including Paradhipi, Thuabari, Kendubania, Chadakamara, Pokasunga, Ragadisahi and Karadapali are left stranded as there is no other option for them to go outside.
Students and patients who were dependent on Mahipur school and CHC are the worst affected.
Sub-divisional officer of the RD department Narayan Murmu said the contractor has been reprimanded to complete the work as soon as possible.
Measures are being taken to establish connection with the cut-off villages, he added.
PNN