Kendrapada: Higher Education Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak had to return without inaugurating a bridge as its plaque had been damaged before his arrival in Odisha’s Kendrapada district on Friday.
Following persistent demand by the locals, the state government constructed the bridge over a rivulet at Nipania under Batighar panchayat of Mahakalapada block in the district. The locals had been demanding the bridge as they were facing difficulties on daily basis to communicate on the road due to the bridge.
After the construction of the bridge was completed Minister Nayak was scheduled to dedicate it to people. As per the programme, he along with his supporters arrived at Nipania for the purpose.
While Nayak was on his way to the project site, he was informed that the plaque of the project mentioning the inauguration had been demolished by some unidentified miscreants. As a result, he had to return from midway without inaugurating the bridge.
According to sources, resentment has been brewing among the people of Batighar panchayat for lack of basic facilities including a proper road and drinking water supply to the area. Though they have been demanding for the facilities, no step has been taken in this regard so far.