BELAGAVI
The historical road bridge on Malaprabha River near Kusmalli that stood as a witness to the British era for several decades and later connected millions of travellers between Belagavi and Goa via Chorla road has now become history as it was demolished to make way for a new one.
Villagers from Jamboti, Kankumbi and Kusmalli watched with great pain and tears as the bridge went down while the sun set on Tuesday.
The century-old brige had become weak after serving as an epitome of development and was finally being demolished.
Meant to facilitate transportation of light and medium size vehicles, the bridge started deteriorating after heavy and multi axle vehicles start commuting via Jamboti Kusmalli, to the extent that danger of the bridge collapsing was looming large.
“We have fond memories linked with this bridge as we used to travel by walk, in a bullock cart, on cycles and sometimes on motorcycles via this bridge to reach Belgavi. Many times, children and youngsters were seen fishing inserting the fishing hooks in the ever flowing Malaprabha River. The bridge will remain in the hearts and minds of scores of villagers in the area,” said activist Kiran Gaude.
“Had the British not constructed this bridge, the villagers from Jamboti- Kankumbi area would have lived like advasis. Our sentiments are attached with this bridge we were demanding to retain the bridge and erect a new bridge on the either side. However, it had to be demolished due the adamant forest authorities.”
“Even while demolishing the bridge, it was found that the construction was very strong. In a way the villagers remain indebted to the engineers of British era, due to whom the Jamboti-Kankumbi region could achieve some progress,” Gaude added.
An asphalted diversion has been also constructed alongside the old bridge meant for two wheelers, cars and light vehicles, whereas the movement of heavy and multi axle vehicles has been banned and till the new bridge comes up these vehicles have to ply via Khanapur, authorities said.
Meanwhile the authorities have taken up the construction of the new bridge on war footing. “The PWD has been directed by Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan to complete the work before the onset of monsoon, hence all efforts are made to take the work on war footing,” NHAI Project Director Bhuvanesh Kumar said.
