Saturday, 27 JULY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The authorities rescued 106 people stranded on the Madhyamaheshwar trek after the alternative bridge at Godar in Rudraprayag district was swept away by the soaring river on Friday. The officials informed that the Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) received information early on Friday around 6 AM that the alternative bridge at Godar has been swept away by the soaring river. The DDMA was informed that several people were stranded on the trek and required immediate rescue. Considering this, a rescue team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was called at the spot. A team led by sub inspector Bhagat Kandari was dispatched to the scene. Following the instructions of SDRF commandant Manikant Mishra, an additional backup team was sent under the supervision of Inspector Anirudh Bhandari to ensure the safety of the stranded people. The officials informed that Bhandari’s team reached Nanu area, located five kilometres below Madmaheshwar, via helicopter. From there, they safely rescued a total of 106 individuals including 101 men and five women and transported them to the nearby secure location. Displaying remarkable efficiency, the SDRF team navigated the difficult five kilometres long route on foot and set up a temporary base using ropes over the river, which could be utilised as an alternative route the officials added.
Meanwhile, the villagers held the Public Works Department (PWD) responsible for the inconvenience caused after the alternative bridge near Godar got washed away due to heavy rainfall. They said that the alternative bridge was constructed by the PWD after the collapse of a 70-year-old bridge last year. They expressed frustration with the PWD, accusing the department of inefficiency for failing to construct a permanent bridge over the past year. One of the villagers of Godar, Shiv Singh said that the temporary bridge was swept away by the force of the rain-swollen river that has raised concerns about safety and connectivity in the area. “Fortunately, no one was on or near the bridge when it was washed away, averting potential casualties. Villagers have been vocal about the urgent need for a durable replacement, emphasising the critical role the bridge plays in daily transportation and economic activities. We have been urging the authorities to expedite the construction of a new and robust bridge but nothing was done. We hope a new bridge is constructed soon to prevent further disruptions and ensure the safety of the local people,” he added.
