Bhubaneswar: Local MLA Gouri Shankar Majhi and Tentulikhunti Block Development Officer Manoj Kumar Panigrahi found themselves in a precarious situation on Sunday when their vehicles became stranded on a flooded bridge while assessing inundation in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district.
The incident occurred on the Bangiri Nala bridge along the Dangarbhaja-Dohana road in Nandahandi block as the officials travelled separately towards Indravati village in Tentulikhunti block after reports of waterlogging following heavy rains.
After reaching the crossing, they encountered floodwaters more than three feet deep surging over the bridge deck, preventing further progress. As they attempted to turn back, the BDO’s vehicle stalled after water flooded its engine, leaving it partially submerged. Local residents quickly intervened, entering the flowing water to push the immobilised vehicle backwards to safety. The MLA’s vehicle also remained stuck at the site and was freed only after nearly an hour of efforts .
The MLA then took an alternate route to reach the affected Indravati colony, where he met residents, listened to their concerns about recurring drainage and flooding problems, and assured them that administrative measures would be taken to address the issues.
The Bangiri Nala bridge serves as a key link connecting Nandahandi block, Indravati and surrounding villages to the District Headquarters Hospital in Nabarangpur. During intense rainfall, the low-lying structure is frequently submerged for periods ranging from several hours to as long as two days, isolating communities and disrupting access to essential services.
Construction of a higher-elevation bridge is underway, though residents have expressed frustration over delays and construction quality.