The incomplete Keri-Tiracol Bridge has turned out to be a white elephant for the locals.
The construction work of this ambitious project had commenced in February 2014 when former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar laid the foundation stone for the construction of the bridge.
But after completion of 38 per cent work, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a stop work notice for the project after the NGO Goa Foundation challenged the CRZ clearance, which was granted by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for construction of bridge across the river.
Since the other half of Tiracol village, where the bridge is supposed to be connecting according to the plan, is densely populated with different plantations, the villagers of Tiracol had objected to this project thinking that it would have led to deforestation.
Sources also said that this project costing around Rs 77 crore, was a cable-stayed bridge designed by a Singapore agency.
The incomplete bridge has spoilt the beauty of the famous village that attracts thousands of visitors. Keri-Tiracol village is located on the borders of Goa-Maharashtra and is popular for its beach and Ajoba Temple.
Interestingly, this bridge, which connects Kerim and Tiracol, the two areas, which are separated from a geographical perspective but have one common village panchayat. Incidentally, other services such as electricity, water etc is provided to the villagers from Maharashtra.
