Bhadrak: Rivers are said to be a lifeline for development of a region, but development of Chandbali area in Bhadrak has allegedly hampered due to three rivers while bridge projects at various places have been hanging fire.
Locals alleged that leaders from the grassroots level to the state-level have failed to push ahead with several bridge projects which are important for connectivity and communication in Chandbali.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid foundation stones for four bridges across Baitarani, Salandi and Mantei in 2015. However, three years after the foundation-laying, no groundwork has been undertaken for those ambitious projects, a report said.
Another embankment strengthening work from Sathibankuda to Bhadrak has been pending. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and then rural development minister Badrinarayan Patra had laid the foundation stone for strengthening of the east embankment of river Baitarani February 9, 2016.
The department concerned has not initiated any groundwork for it. Locals apprehend that thousands of people in 25 panchayats including Sundarpur, Aradi, Nandapur and Olaga will suffer once the monsoon begins.
Chandbali MLA has been assuring people to build a bridge across Baitarani, but nothing tangible has happened as yet, locals added.
A bridge at Bansada is still under construction for a long time while much-awaited bridges at Tinitar ghat, Dhanakhania ghat, Baliapal and Charibatia ghat have been a dream.
Boats are only means of communication for local people every day. Boat ride has always been fraught with risks while ghat auction holders have been exploiting the people by charging exorbitant fair.
A bridge at Tinitar ghat on Salandi river has been essential for connectivity between Chandbali and Aradi. Interestingly, tender has been floated 18 times for a bridge at the place in the past, but the bridge has not been possible.
Another bridge across Mantei at Chadribatia ghat is still being awaited. Tenders had been floated several times in the past, but no contractors evinced interests in its construction.
People in Tihid and Basudevpur blocks have to depend on boats here for their daily commuting.
Executive engineer of the works and building, Amiya Kumar Nayak, said there have been some technical problems at the projects sites while contractors have also some problems.
