MAPUSA
Residents of Nadora have demanded the immediate construction of a new footbridge linking Zuvem Island to the Bardez mainland, citing the unsafe condition of the existing bridge which has been shut down for public use.
The demand was raised during the gram sabha meeting held on Sunday, where villagers highlighted the daily hardships faced by nearly 250 islanders, particularly school-going children and in times of medical emergencies.
The current footbridge, built in 1987, has been deemed unsafe due to extensive wear and tear, including cracks and sinking slabs. As a precaution, the district administration has barred pedestrian and two-wheeler movement across the bridge.
Nadora Sarpanch Vishwaja Haldankar said the Public Works Department (PWD) had acquired about 165 sq m of land near the existing bridge site.
However, the land is insufficient for any expansion or upgradation of the current structure.
“There’s no scope to widen the bridge at the existing site because the adjoining landowners are unwilling to part with their land,” said Haldankar.
With land constraints blocking redevelopment of the existing bridge, villagers have suggested constructing a new footbridge at the same location while also proposing two alternative sites for a motorable bridge ” one at Maddan and another connecting Vaddy to the government primary school.
“The gram sabha has passed a resolution supporting the construction of a new bridge in line with the villagers’ demand. However, acquiring land for the new alignment will be a major challenge,” the sarpanch added.
She said the resolution will be forwarded to the Chief Minister and the relevant government departments.
In another key decision, the gram sabha also gave its approval for the widening of the major district road that runs through the village.
