Wednesday, 02 November 2022 | PNS | BAGESHWAR
The bridge collapse at Morbi in Gujarat which resulted in at least 134 deaths has also elicited focus on the condition of bridges in Uttarakhand. The Bageshwar district administration has sought information about the condition of bridges in the district and is planning to take necessary action where required.
The condition of the bridges in the district headquarter of Bageshwar is not good. The supporting wall of the motor bridge built across the Gomti river in the district headquarters has been damaged. Stones are falling off consistently from the wall. The supporting wall of the bridge built in the year 1962 across the Gomti river is now in a dilapidated condition. Trees have also grown on the wall which may impact the structural aspects of the wall. The locals point out that this bridge vibrates when the vehicle is moving on the bridge. They further point out that there is no asphalt on the bridge which causes two wheelers to slide.The locals fear that if the supporting wall of the bridge is not repaired, then the bridge may also sustain damaged. The situation of the bridge built in 1962 across the Saryu river on the NH in the district headquarters is also similar. The asphalt on the bridge is completely eroded. The demand for repair of bridges has been raised many times in the area but the officials of NH Division Ranikhet have not taken any concrete action in the matter so far.
The Bageshwar district magistrate Anuradha Pal said, “The condition of the bridges will be monitored in the district headquarters. The security measures of the bridges will be increased and repairs will also be undertaken if needed. Information about other bridges will also be sought,”she said.
It is pertinent to mention here that after the Morbi incident, focus of the authorities in Uttarakhand is also being elicited on the condition of various suspension and other types of bridges in different parts of the State.
