Locals say debris from bridge will cause inundation of paddy fields
TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: The old Jakniband bridge on the NH-17 at Dramapur village collapsed on Monday for want of maintenance.
The debris from the bridge have now blocked the water channel with local activists and panch members of Dramapur raising apprehension that it may inundate paddy fields and other low lying areas if these were not cleared.
Though the bridge was not used for traffic since the new bridge was thrown open for vehicular traffic years ago, the old bridge was used by pedestrians from the area.
Dramapur panch member Bernard Rebello, representing the area, said the bridge, which was built during the Portuguese era, was allowed to collapse as there was no maintenance. “People wanted the government to take care of the bridge, but there was no maintenance. The government should now pay attention to the existing parallel bridge which also craves for attention,” Rebello said.
Activist Delano Da Costa said the debris should be immediately removed or else the fields will be destroyed by inundation. “The debris will block the flow of water. The authorities should immediately act and clear the rivulet.”
Dramapur panch member Bernard Rebello said the bridge, which was built during the Portuguese era, was allowed to collapse as there was no maintenance
