Rayagada: The district administration has closed the hanging bridge in Odisha’s Rayagda town for safety reasons amid protest from the local villagers.
The administration took the decision following persistent demand for closure of the hanging bridge over river Nagabali. The demand was raised after several tourists have died while bathing in Nagabali river.
It was pointed out that the devotees, coming to have darshan of the deity at Maa Majhighariani, the presiding deity of the area, used to cross the bridge to go to Nagabali for bathing. Unaware of strong current, many of them drowned in the river. A t least 27 tourists have died of drowning in the river while taking bath in the last 5 years, according to official sources.
Besides, the bridge, which was built mainly for use of security forces to combat Maoists who were highly active in the region in 2012, has turned weak and may collapse any time, posing threat to lives of the people.
Stating that the district administration took the demand seriously, Rayagada tehsildar Tapas Rout told Odisha Bytes that they held a meeting on the matter on Saturday. It was decided at the meeting that the hanging bridge would be closed for public use to prevent loss of human lives. As per the decision, an iron grill has been installed at both ends of the bridge, he added.
Meanwhile, hundreds of villagers from Mariguda and Dumaguda staged a protest at the spot opposing the administration’s decision. They said since there was no alternative arrangement to cross Nagabali, they have to trek several kms through hilly terrain to go to the other side.
“No villager has drowned in Nagabali till date. We are conversant with its flow and current. It is the visitors from Andhra Pradesh who venture into river despite our objection and get drowned. The authorities should prevent them from going to the river instead of sealing the bridge,” said Kuni Hikaka, one of the protesting villagers.
Also Read: Tourist Spot At Nagabali River Turns Death Zone In Odisha’s Rayagada; 27 Tourists Drown In 5 Years
