PONDA: A portion of the 50-year-old non-functional old Borim bridge collapsed, on Saturday evening. However, luckily no untoward incident was reported, as the river is abuzz with fishing activity.
The collapsed bridge is parallel to the Borim bridge on the national highway. It is learnt that before the construction of Salaulim Dam, the OPA Treatment Plant was supplying water to Zuari Agro Factory and even some parts of South Goa through this 700 mm dia cast iron water supply pipeline, which is passing through this bridge.
After commissioning of Salaulim Dam three decades back, the water supply was stopped through this pipeline. However, the bridge was bearing the weight of the pipeline.
Former sarpanch of Borim Panchayat and sitting panch Sunil Sawkar said, “Luckily no untoward incident was reported with the collapse of portion of bridge despite the movement of fishermen below the bridge.”
“Since long the panchayat was demanding to dismantle this bridge as it was weakened and parts were falling. Herald had also highlighted the issue in 2019,” he said.
As the fallen portion of Portuguese era Borim bridge (balley bridge) is now lying in the river which is risky for the movement of canoes and barges, Sawkar demanded with the government to remove the fallen portion immediately.
He also demanded to dismantle the portion of the old bridge and water pipeline for the safety of locals.
