Dehradun: A bailey bridge has restored the lifeline of 15,000 people in Uttarakhand, which remained cut off for 21 days since a cloudburst had destroyed the only bridge that connected people from 20 villages in Jauljibi sector with the rest of Pithoragarh district.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) constructed a 180-feet bailey bridge in the hilly region in less than three weeks despite frequent landslides and heavy rains.
The BRO began its work soon after a concrete bridge in the area was washed away by flooded rivers.
The new bridge has restored access to 66 km road starting from Jauljibi to Munsiyari, it said. Local MP Ajay Tamta had expressed his concern about the isolated villages of Lumti and Mori at 25 km from Jauljibi where maximum deaths had taken place.
"This bridge will provide essential support in rehabilitating the villages," the Ministry added. The BRO develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighbouring countries. It maintains operations in 21 states, one Union Territory, and neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
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There were many casualties due to the landslides which caused a mudflow of tremendous force, and the road communication was broken in the area. "The BRO mobilised its bridging resources and set up to construct the bridge. The biggest challenge was to transport parts to the site from Pithoragarh amidst frequent landslides and heavy rains. The bridge was successfully completed on August 16, 2020."
This has led to accessing flood-affected villages and has connected Jauljibi to Munsiyari, the Ministry of Defence said. "The connectivity will bring relief to about 15,000 people in 20 villages."
IANS
