Malkangiri: Quick on the heels of a Maoist threat to blow away the Gurupriya bridge that connects the cut-off regions of Malkangiri district, the district administration has decided to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras at different locations to have round-the-clock and close surveillance of the bridge.
The 910-metre bridge connects nine cut-off panchayats in the tribal-dominated district. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation stone for the bridge in 2000 in what was a second attempt. Sources said the project would be inaugurated shortly.
The foundation for the bridge was first laid by former chief inister JB Patnaik in 1982. The works failed to take off. The bridge helps inaccessible villages avail all welfare benefits including electricity, drinking water facilities and bus communication.
Around 30,000 tribals of the region will in special benefit from the bridge.
Meanwhile, the administration also released a tender of Rs 10 lakh for illumination of the bridge. This will not only help the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel provide better security in the region, but also keep track of the movements of the Maoists.
A few days back, BSF personnel had visited the bridge and taken stock of the security aspects there after Maoists held out the threat. Over 60 lights will be installed on both sides of the bridge to keep surveillance at night.