AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
GANDAULIM BRIDGE, CUMBARJUA:
Cumbarjua Sarpanch Sachin P Gaude, however, questioned the farmers for not using the bridge. “The bridge was built because the farmers wanted a bridge to carry their equipment and it is best they answer, why they are not sowing their fields despite the government building a bridge for them,” said Gaude.
“Before the bridge was built, we needed to requisition a ferry from the River Navigation Department (RND) to help the farmers ferry their tractors and it was a cumbersome process,” said Gaude indicating that the Krishi Setu was intended to ease this
inconvenience.
However there are questions being asked as to why there is no road but a path to the bridge and why a gate with a padlock prevents free access to the bridge. Also, on crossing the river, the bridge again opens to vast fields or barren land that remains uncultivated.
Harish Adconkar, Chairman of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), which undertook the project for a cost of Rs 3 crore, refused to indulge questions on the purpose of the bridge or any post-construction concerns. According to the GSIDC website, construction of the fifty-meter single span arched bridge commenced on October 4, 2021, and was officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on February 24, 2024.
“Our job was to build the bridge and give it to them. It is not our problem how it is used thereafter because our involvement was in the construction,” stated Adconkar.
Sarpanch Gaude promised to investigate. “I will meet with the farmers to understand why they are not cultivating their fields,” he said, suggesting that last year’s late completion of construction work may have played a role. However, when reminded that the bridge was inaugurated well before the monsoon season, he hesitated, saying, “I cannot speak on behalf of the farmers.”
“People are bound to say things like the bridge has been built to help people interested in buying those fields for real estate purposes. “As sarpanch, I cannot speak for the farmers and people who have doubts should approach me,” he insisted.
In a bizarre twist, the bridge has gained traction online as a tourist attraction. In the comment section an individual going by the name of RJ and who describes himself as a local guide describes the bridge as an: “amusement park”.
Raju Parab, who also describes himself as a local guide, thinks the bridge is a ‘nice place for photography’. And, for Shrada Sawant it is ‘Best to visit at evening to see beautiful sunset’.
For many residents, this shift in public perception raises red flags. “When the farmers really wanted help, no one really came forward. Since construction is allowed anywhere in Goa, we are inclined to believe that there is a hidden agenda behind building this bridge,” said another local Pratik Gawde.
“Do you think the farmers would be so stupid so as to leave a bridge built specifically for them, unutilised,” wonders Gawde. “Does that land look like a field now?” he wryly questions.
Attempts to contact Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai for comments were unsuccessful, with the legislator repeatedly avoiding calls.