Odisha: Jolaput bridge in dire need of repair
Jolaput bridge, the lifeline for people of Koraput and bordering villages of Andhra Pradesh, is in dire need of repair. The bridge has remained neglected for the last 12 years.
Published: 16th June 2018 04:04 AM | Last Updated: 16th June 2018 04:04 AM | A+A A-
The damaged temporary bridge at Jolaput village in Koraput district | Express
KORAPUT: Jolaput bridge, the lifeline for people of Koraput and bordering villages of Andhra Pradesh, is in dire need of repair. The bridge has remained neglected for the last 12 years.As per reports, the bridge was damaged after release of water from Jolaput reservoir in 2006. Residents of the two small project towns, which are referred to as right flank (RF) on Odisha side and left flank (LF) on AP side, having a population of more than 50,000 people, are the most affected due to delay in repair of the bridge. As many as 70 villages under Machkund tehsil in Koraput and Munchingput mandal in AP depend on the bridge as it is their only means of communication.
Sources said after the structure was damaged, people were forced to cross the river on country boats holding a rope. Later, ITDA of Paderu in AP placed some wooden logs on the damaged portion of the bridge. After several appeals by the residents, a temporary narrow road was constructed and this enables people to cross the bridge on two-wheelers.
Anticipating damage to Machkund hydro electricity project, the Collectors of Koraput and Visakhapatnam had restricted movement of four-wheelers on the dam site road.The 150-metre-long bridge was constructed 70 years back to facilitate passage of vehicles and people when the construction of Machkund hydro electricity project was in progress. Unfortunately, half of the bridge was washed away when the dam gates were opened in 2006. Though the project is the oldest and highest profit-generating power sector for both the States, earning about `100 crore per annum, the dilapidated bridge continues to be neglected.
Residents have threatened to boycott the 2019 general elections if the bridge is not repaired immediately.
When contacted, Executive Engineer (civil) of Machkund hydro electricity project Benjamin Lima said he has been receiving threats from vehicle owners.
It is the responsibility of Odisha Hydro-Power corporation (OHPC) and Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation to look into the matter. However, he assured that the project officer of Paderu ITDA would be contacted in this regard and steps taken accordingly to repair the bridge.
