Kosagumuda: Two days ago, the villagers completely blocked vehicular movement on the Bhaskel River Bridge, which connects the Badagumuda-Ekori main road. The protest was triggered by reports that the bridge had become highly unsafe for use.
Following this, Bhavani Shankar Bhoya, Junior Engineer of the Rural Department, and Debarshi Nayak, Executive Engineer of the District Rural Development Department, inspected the bridge’s condition.
The Bhaskel River Bridge, constructed in 2018 at a cost of Rs 3.57 crore, provides a crucial link between Badagumuda, Ekori, Kosagumuda, and Dabugaon blocks. However, due to sand theft from underneath the bridge, its structural integrity has been compromised.
As a result, the Rural Development Department has closed the road leding to the bridge. This closure has severely affected daily commuters, forcing them to take a longer route of 20-25 kilometers to reach their destinations.
The locals have demanded immediate reconstruction of the bridge, urging the administration to take swift action.