Malkangiri, 30th July 2025: It has been two years since the old bridge was washed away in heavy rains, yet no steps have been taken to construct a new bridge. Despite repeated demands from villagers, the construction has not even started. As a result, over 4,000 residents from six villages are facing severe transportation issues.
Villagers have resorted to crossing the river by dangerously laying cement electric poles to create makeshift paths, risking their lives daily. Such scenes have been witnessed in Anantapali village under Kalimela Block of Malkangiri district, which dates back to the British era.
According to locals, the old bridge was the only means of communication for villages like Anantapali, Jamara Guda, Clarasanpalli, Nelakata, M-81, and Tinirajpalli. Even though there is an alternate road, the old route is shorter, so residents continue to rely on it. The old bridge, considered the lifeline for these villages, was washed away during the floods two years ago.
At that time, the Rural Development Department (RD) created a temporary road with morrum and laid palm trunks for movement, which has now completely collapsed. Due to the broken connection and lands being located across the river, villagers recently placed cement electric poles across the stream and are using bikes to cross — risking serious accidents.
The villagers questioned, “Who will be responsible if a tragedy occurs?” Despite submitting multiple written complaints to the administration, no action has been taken, leading to growing anger among locals.
They allege that the village has been neglected since British rule, not just in terms of the bridge, but also basic infrastructure — no concrete roads, no drainage system, no telecom services, and no internet connectivity. Young people in the village have to travel nearly 10 km just to get a mobile signal.
In response, the Junior Engineer of RD-2 stated that around ₹4 crore will be spent on the new bridge. Tenders have already been floated, and within 15 days, the agency to undertake the work will be finalized. The selected agency will also be instructed to create a diversion road for public use during construction. According to the department, the new bridge construction will begin very soon, which should alleviate the villagers’ long-standing travel difficulties.
No responses yet