Two decades on, bridge work yet to begin

BARIPADA: A bridge over the Budhabalanga river near Rangpani village under Badasahi block has been a dream of people of the area.  Construction of the bridge, that was proposed about two decades ago, is yet to  materialise for lack of political will and funds. The Badasahi block has a population of 90,000 of which 90 per cent people are poor tribals and daily wagers. Thousands of people of at least five panchayats here suffer in the absence of a bridge over the river Budhabalanga that separates them from the headquarters town. Locals said if constructed, the bridge would be a vital alternative link for the people of Gopabandhunagar, Betnoti and Khunta of Mayurbhanj district and several parts of neighbouring Balasore district. They usually take the Badasahi route to communicate to Baripada town as it shortens the distance by nearly 20 km. During rainy season, people of 25 panchayats in three blocks of Betnoti, Gopabandhunagar and Badasahi remain cut off from the district headquarters town.Though people have erected a bamboo bridge to cross the river, it is neither convenient nor safe. As there is no permanent road after the temporary bridge, two-wheelers and light vehicles cannot enter the region during monsoon. Sources said though the bridge tops the priority list of the projects prepared by the State Government, its implementation has been delayed due to lack of funds.The district officials recently paid a visit to the area and maintained that 215- metre-long bridge will be built at a cost of ` 9.5 crore. Though the officials pointed out that the construction work would be completed by December next year, no progress is in sight.Assistant Engineer of RW sub-division of Betnoti Saroj Kumar Parida said tender for the project had been already passed and foundation pillars of the bridge demarcated.  “The construction work will soon start,” he added.As many as 100 villages under 30 gram panchayats would benefit once the bridge  is complete. Due to communication constraints, the rural people are deprived of basic emergency services like fire tenders and ambulances in times of need.