Residents built temporary bridge over Nagabali
Koraput: The residents of 10 villages in the remotest corner of Kalyansinghpur block, Rayagada district, built a makeshift wooden bridge over the Nagabali river on Sunday.
The villagers said they faced serious difficulties in reaching the nearest panchayat headquarters, which had to be done by crossing the river.
“It becomes very difficult for us to cross the river without a bridge, especially in the monsoon. The children used to cross it in order to reach school. It is a nightmare for someone who is in need of urgent medical treatment. Though we have been demanding the construction of a bridge over the river, no one has listened to us,” said Tamia Miniaka, a resident of Talasaja village.
The villagers added that it took a week for them to collect bamboo and boles from the nearby forest. They built the 100m-long bridge in a day.
The villagers further said they could now easily reach the nearest road point at Belkona Chhack. The bridge is so strong that even two-wheelers can easily pass through it. Earlier, the villagers used to trek for nearly seven kilometres to reach the road point at Majhiguda.
“In a bid to test the strength of the bridge, we drove a motorcycle on it. It crossed it without any problem. Now, it will be easier for us to shift patients to the hospital at Sikarpari,” said Biswanath Miniaka, a resident of Uppersaja village.
Officials said a proposal for the construction of a high-level bridge over the Nagabali River was sent to the rural works department. Sources said it was under consideration and a decision would be taken soon.
Sub-collector Pratap Chandra Pradhan said it was risky to cross the river through the makeshift wooden bridge. “We have advised the villagers not to use it,” he added.