Kantamal: The dilapidated condition of Jamuta bridge, situated on Rahula river which flows in bordering areas of Boudh district, has endangered the connectivity of three districts.
During this monsoon, flood water flew over the approach roads of Jamuta bridge and huge breaches were created alongside. As a result, the road communication was completely disrupted to internal Boudh, cutting off the connectivity of three districts.
It is apprehended that, if Boudh remains disconnected in the future days, the distance from Gudvela in Bolangir to Bhubaneswar would increase by 60 km. However, the Ghantapada and Khuntigora areas of Kantamal block in Boudh district have social and business connections with other areas across Rahula river.
It is known, people of this region are dependent upon Gudvela and Tusura of Bolangir district and commute through this route regularly. Jamuta bridge on Rahula river was built as a part of the road connectivity demands of people from both sides.
The bridge was constructed last year, which brought the two regions closer than before. It has facilitated the road communication with Subarnapur, Bolangir and Kalahandi districts.
According to sources, 20 feet and 15 feet wide breaches were created on left side and right side of the bridge, respectively. Stone packing was completely washed away and the retaining walls of approach roads were also severely damaged.
On being contacted, the junior engineer Shovan Mallick said, “The repairing work has already started”. Local people have demanded immediate intervention of the district administration.