Demo held against Brahmani bridge site change

Hundreds of locals, under the leadership of senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader and Biramitrapur MLA George  Tirkey staged a demonstration at Panposh square on Monday protesting  change of  proposed location of the second Brahamani bridge, particularly after payment of compensation to the land owners.

The protesters claimed that although piling work reportedly has started at the proposed new site, the land acquisition process of the same is still under progress. They demanded that the bridge be made in the proposed original site, claiming that the new location would displace hundreds of tribal families.

As per MLA Trikey, the land acquisition process of the original plan for construction of four lane road from Barkote to Biramitrapur, including bridge over river Brahamani, was over by 2016, after payment made to all the land owners, who were supposed to lose their land. "As per the original plan, payment to the land owners of areas like Vedvyas square, TCI chhak, Panposh, Hockey square and Tarkera area were made by the State Government, but suddenly there was a plan change taking the bridge from Balughat area through Dandiapalli," said George Tirkey, adding, "Although, a lot of hue and cry is taking place from different quarters about the delay in the bridge, the change of location of the bridge has been done with a conspiracy to please some influential people."

Tirkey claimed that the land acquisition process in Dandiapalli areas of the city is presently under progress, since it was not in original plan. "If the bridge goes as per the proposed new plan, hundreds of tribal  families  are  going  to  be  affected, which won’t be tolerated," Tirkey warned.

Tirkey also allegedly foul play by the authorities in this decision change in location of the second Brahamani bridge. "While the bridge along with the Barkot - Biramitrapur four lane road was already sanctioned since 2012, under what condition permission was provided to construct two major apartment projects at TCI square and Bramhani river bank area," Tirkey questioned. He also claimed that the new proposed location will also force the users to travel almost 4 km extra than that of the original location.

Among others, former Raghnathpalli MLA Halu Mundari, Siprian Kindo, Anil Ekka. Letha Tirkey and Taj Kumari Minz took part in the demonstration.