Biju Sethu Construction Lags Behind Schedule
Rayagada,/Gunpur:- The construction of a crucial bridge over the Mahendratanaya River in Gunupur block’s ghanantri panchayat has been delayed, causing inconvenience to the local community. Despite being started in December 2018, the bridge’s construction, valued at ₹11.40 crore, is yet to be completed.
The bridge, expected to be finished by December 2020, has seen only 50% of the work completed even after four and a half years. The contractor has abandoned the project midway, leaving the construction materials and machinery scattered on the site.
Locals have been facing difficulties due to the incomplete bridge, especially during the rainy season when the river swells. The residents of Sampini village have to travel 20 kilometers to reach Ghantri panchayat to collect ration, highlighting the need for the bridge’s completion.
The villagers have demanded immediate completion of the bridge and have warned of agitation if the work is not finished soon. The local administration has been informed about the issue, and efforts are being made to allocate additional funds to complete the project.
According to Chittaranjan Panda, Assistant Engineer, Grama Unnayan, the work will commence soon after the approval of additional funds and re-tendering. The villagers are anxious about the upcoming monsoon season and fear that if the bridge is not completed before the rains, they will face the same difficulties as before.
Reported by Gouri Shankar Pattnaik
