A civil society group has urged the district administration for immediate repair and maintenance of the only flyover of Baleswar headquarters town.
A Citizen’s Committee headed by laxmidhar Behera held a meeting here expressing deep concern over the bridge’s safety. The members opined that a technical committee should be formed to look into the issue.
Due to want of maintenance, water logging on the surface of the bridge is being witnessed during rains with stagnant water affecting the longevity and strength of the bridge. Further, stray cattle, cow dung and preparation of dung cake for fuel on sides of the bridge pose a serious threat to the safety of the bridge as well of the commuters, they pointed out.
The committee members further stated that Rs 84 lakh was spent on the repair works of the bridge last fiscal year and felt that more sum needs to be spent to save the bridge. It informed that a proposal of Rs 35 lakh had been submitted for sanction of the State Government for major repair and renovation of the bridge. The repair and renovation should be done without affecting the livelihood of the shopkeepers under the bridge, the panel observed.
Among others who attended the meeting, included Himansu Nandi, Madhabananda Mishra, Sambhunath Mohanty, Manoj Nayak, Purosottam Biswal, RR Sarangi, Bhagban Rout, Radhakanta Das, Upendra Patra, Manoranjan Rout and Jayanta Das.