the goan I network
CANACONA
Voicing concern over the deteriorating state of the historic Ordhofond bridge, residents have sought the immediate intervention of the State Government to restore the bridge for the benefit of thousands of daily commuters and pedestrians passing along the national highway.
A resident of Poinguinim, Anup Painginkar has written to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, highlighting the precarious condition of the historic Ordhofond Bridge on the River Talpona (also called Khushavati River) in Canacona.
He has requested the chief minister to direct authorities to strengthen the bridge and protect the important link along the high, which connects Goa with South India.
“Thousands of motor vehicles pass over the Ordhofond bridge every day. The bridge has remained without a railing on either side for about a 5-mtr section of the 80-mtr long bridge, ever since it was rebuilt after being blown up by the Portuguese during Operation Vijay in 1961,” Painginkar wrote to Parrikar.
“The recent heavy rains in our village has done more damage to this bridge and its condition is getting worse day by day. During the 2009 Canacona floods, water level had reached the bridge and its railings need immediate repair.”
The Ordhofond bridge, which is without a railing on the Bhatpal side and a damaged portion of the railing in the middle, has been a major concern for locals.
They fear that vehicles and pedestrians could accidentally fall off the bridge, if the railings are not installed immediately. “Concerned locals have been raising the issue for a very long time, but authorities have failed to take note and repair the bridge,” said Painginkar.
