the goan I network
PERNEM
Having faithfully served motorists and pedestrians in Pernem town for over 110 years, a bridge near the new bus stand has now developed cracks at various places and locals fear it could collapse at any time.
There have been growing demands from people in Pernem for authorities to inspect the bridge as soon as possible and take measures to construct a new bridge.
Former Pernem MLA Jitendra Deshprabhu said the bridge and a pond adjacent to bridge had been built by his great grandfather in 1905.
“This bridge is old and weak and may collapse if not given proper attention. In 2006 when I was Pernem MLA, I had submitted a proposal to the government to construct a new bridge and had raised the issue in the assembly. But the government failed to act in the matter,” he added.
Pernem Municipal councillor Usha Nagvekar said a portion of the old Patto bridge at Pernem had caved in a few days ago.
“The state government should not allow this old bridge near the new bus stand to meet with a similar fate and should taken precautionary measures at the earliest,” she added.
When contacted, Pernem PWD (road division) engineer Villas Tamboskar said experts had inspected the bridge some years ago.
“Now, the full stretch of road will be renovated by the tourism department, but it is still unclear whether the bridge has been included or not. The renovation work plan will first be inspected and then, a proposal to repair the bridge will be forwarded to senior officials,” said Tamboskar.
Speaking to The Goan, Tourism Minister and Pernem MLA Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar admitted that a proposal to repair the bridge had not been included in the renovation plan, but assured to take necessary steps to safeguard the bridge.
“A meeting will be convened with PWD officials and we will look into the matter, assured Azgaonkar.
