It is learnt that a bridge at Agonda is on the verge of collapse. Local residents fear that the small bridge commonly known as ‘Borie Pul’ could crumble at any time as it has developed cracks. Image of the damaged bridge has gone viral on Social Media. The Agonda beach which lies between Cola beach and Palolem beach is a popular tourist attraction. The narrow bridge, which can accommodate a small car, is used by locals as well as tourists to cross the Agonda River. If (God forbid) the bridge collapses while people are walking and vehicles moving on it, it could prove disastrous. It is understood that a tender for the demolition and construction of a new bridge has already been awarded to a contractor who is reportedly awaiting the work order. A structural audit on the stability of the existing needs to be carried out. It would be in the fitness of things to close the bridge forthwith in order to avoid any untoward incident. Till such time that the old bridge is demolished and a new one is built, the authorities should make alternate arrangements for vehicles and pedestrians, which include a lot of tourists, to cross the Agonda River by way of ferry service. Life is precious and there should not be a man-made disaster by way of the bridge collapsing.
