Locals protest against delay in work on dilapidated suspension bridge over Alaknanda

Monday, 05 December 2022 | PNS | NEW TEHRI

Teerth Purohit announces fast unto death if budget for bridge construction is not approved soon

Frustrated by the protracted delay in construction of the dilapidated suspension bridge across the Alaknanda river, the residents of Devprayag burnt effigies of the local MLA and MP along with former MLAs at the Sangam here on Sunday. Raising slogans against the public representatives and authorities, the protesters including Teerth Purohits and teachers along with local residents and women from nearby rural areas participated in the demonstration. Teerth Purohit Ashok Todaria also announced to start a fast unto death if the budget for the construction of the bridge is not approved soon. The anger of the public erupted here on Sunday over the closure of the Alaknanda suspension bridge without alternative arrangements.

Gathering at the Sangam, they burnt effigies of MLA Vinod Kandari, MP Tirath Singh Rawat, former MLAs Mantri Prasad Naithani and Diwakar Bhatt. The main demands of the people include the immediate start of a bus service to the schools located in Bah bazaar, installation of a trolley over the bridge for the elderly, sick and small children and opening of a dispensary in the Bah area. The parents also demanded full security for the students walking in the Bah bazaar area through the fast traffic of the highway.