CANACONA
A preliminary report from the Mobile Bridge Inspection Unit (MBIU) team from Shri Infotech in Hyderabad has indicated serious concerns on the safety of the Saleri bridge, which connects Agonda and Khola villages.
The dilapidated bridge has prompted locals in both villages to demand the demolition of the old bridge and the construction of a new bridge over the Saleri river.
According to the sources, the MBIU team’s Non-Destructive Test (NDT) results were unsatisfactory and doubtful, and the team then conducted a core-cutting test as part of a Destructive Test (DT), which has been referred for laboratory testing and analysis.
The 5-category level points (5th category being ‘critical’) on the bridge conditions will be assessed to understand if this fragile and over 50-year-old bridge on river Saleri needs repair, rehabilitation or demolition.
According to the inspection team, the 1st & 4th pillars of the 4-span bridge are seriously weakened, and though the other 2 pillars are safe, the bridge girders are weakened and almost entirely doubtful.
The final report will be submitted after laboratory results and may take around 15 days, informed a reliable source from the inspection team.
Meanwhile, locals have demanded the government's immediate intervention as the bridge is unsafe for the public and any unfortunate incident can result in fatalities.
“This bridge has outlived its lifespan, and is now unsafe and won’t be able to handle traffic. It can collapse at anytime,” said Khola resident Jayram Pagui, who has also instrumental in raising some burning issues of Khola village with the government.
Pagui had written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on the need to address key problems in Khola village, including the need to construct a new bridge over Saleri river, since nothing was done after the PWD inspection in February last.
