A makeshift bridge collapsed on Saturday following incessant rains in Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi district, for which around 200 families of three villages in Kerpai panchayat were cut off from the main road. The affected villages were Kachalekha, Kutrumali and Podapai.
Four years ago, a two-km road under the PMGSY had been constructed between Kerpai and Kachalekha villages. Forty-feet-wide river Ranibali flows between the two villages where a permanent bridge was required which could not be made due to its high cost. “However, officials made a makeshift using Hume pipes at a cost of Rs 2 lakh which could not sustain the heavy flow of rainwater,” said Susant Kumar Naik of Kerpai village.
He alleged that in the last four years, he along with other villagers went from pillar to post for remedy but in vain. Villagers have been demanding a permanent bridge which may cost around Rs one crore, but due to officials’ and the local MLA’s apathy a bridge could not be made so far. Assurances were made but nothing was done. The villagers, including students, cross the makeshift bridge risking their lives.
Now, the affected villagers are not able to get ration and healthcare as they are cut off from Kerpai village. Students of Classes-I to X of these villages cannot attend the school which is situated in Kachalekha village.
When contacted for his comments, the concerned official did not respond.