Malkangiri: Residents of the district were an elated lot after uncertainty over a proposed under-construction bridge to connect the district with Chhattisgarh ended. After a few months of pause, the construction recently resumed.
The construction firm has fixed a target to finish the work within next six months.
The bridge over river Shaberi was started by Chhattisgarh government from Dernapali side of that state two years ago. Out of 20 pillars, construction of 15 was completed.
The work got stuck due to disputes over compensation for the land and valuable trees owned by people of Padia block. Construction from Orissa side was to be started from Kamarguda of Padia block in the district.
The row was solved at a meeting between officials of the construction firm, revenue department, block administration and the villagers.
After completion of the bridge, there will be direct connectivity between Malkangiri and Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. Padia block headquarters is only 1 km from Dernapali of Chhattisgarh.
At present, residents of Padia block and its nearby areas come to Dernapali through Bhadrachalam of Telangana and Hyderabad for their daily requirement and business transactions. Ferrying in country boats is another means of communication.
According to a trader of Padia block, the business transaction with Chhattisgarh and Telangana will become easier after completion of the bridge work. The farmers will also get benefits as they can sell their produce in the neighbouring states using the easy means of communication. Earlier, the cost of communication on road ways was very high and time-consuming and ferrying through water routes was not safe.
PNN
