Two wooden bridges, one in Dumnikura which was washed away this morning and another in Lower Gasuapara on the verge of collapse, both in South Garo Hills district amidst heavy rains left residents of the district in a miserable state.
As per reports, the bridge on the River Daldam near Dumnikura, which was already in a weakened state, broke into many parts before eventually being washed away by the surging river waters. Another wooden bridge, a little further away in Lower Gasuapara on the same road is also on the verge of being washed away and stood precariously.
There are a number of wooden bridges along the NH 62. While a few of them have been converted to modern RCC structures, many still remain as they are and are now prone to being washed away.
Adding further misery is the fact that the road through Chokpot has also been blocked due to a landslide at Rongrak area. The only route for residents to travel to other districts is through the Nangalbibra route, an addition of over 150 kms. The road, as per the local administration is impossible to navigate at this time, with many still stretches still awaiting completion.
Confirming the situation, the deputy commissioner of the district, Hubert Marak stated that the border road had been temporarily opened to traffic. The road had earlier been sealed owing to COVID-19 protocols.
“Due to the situation, the border road has been opened for traffic as the other routes are not usable. We are trying to rectify the situation at the earliest,” said the DC.
Meanwhile Rongara – Siju MLA, Rakkam Sangma has expressed sadness over the washing away of the two bridges adding that he has spoken to PWD authorities to work on the situation on a war footing.
Garo Hills has been hit by incessant rains for the past few days leading to most rivers running in spate. The situation for South Garo Hills, with its many wooden bridges, is precarious as most of them could collapse at any time.
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