Kendujhar: This Odisha Man is on a mission to fix the perennial problem of ailing infrastructure in his village. He is using his life savings to build a bridge, which would ensure better connectivity for the residents.
The Bridge-Man, as he is commonly known in his village, set out to construct a crucial bridge, which has been under construction for over 14 years!
Residents of Kanpur village in Odisha's Kendujhar district have been facing the issue of narrow roads, numerous potholes and other unfinished infrastructure works, 'that the government seems to take forever to complete'.
Hence, frustrated by the government’s indifference, Gangadhar Rout, a retired employee of the veterinary department and a resident of Kanpur in the Hatadihi block, is now on a mission to build a bridge over Salandi river with his pension amount which connects six villages to the mainland and will benefit nearly 10,000 people.
Over 60 per cent of orchards and agricultural fields are situated on the other side of the river. The villagers face many problems in reaching their fields on the other side of the river, especially during rains as they have to use a makeshift bamboo bridge.
Due to this, the villagers have been demanding a bridge across the river for over two decades.
After retirement, Gangadhar started constructing a bridge on Salandi using his pension money.
He had used all his savings that came from his pension, gratuity, leave surrender, and general provident fund-around 12 lakhs, for the bridge.
The construction of the bridge is now in its last phase. Gangadhar wants to complete construction of the bridge in June. His action was inspired by 76-year-old Daitari Nayak of his district who carved out a three km long canal through the hills.
“I thought of buying a car with my savings. But, I expressed my desire to spend it for the completion of the bridge, my family did not object. The work gives me and my family members immense pleasure,” Gangadhar said.
The construction of the bridge was initially taken up by Hatadihi block administration a decade back but came to a halt due to insufficient funds.
Despite repeated requests to the government and private organisations, no action was taken. The villagers had to cross the river via a boat or had to take other unsafe routes. Therefore, Gangadhar decided to step up and made sure the bridge was ready before the monsoon.
Nine spans of the bridge have been completed along with the roofing. After completion, the bridge would directly connect the villages of Kanpur, Soso, Daneipur, Padhiaripally, Niudani and Maichapada.
The villagers admire Gangadhar and even claimed that he is a 'messiah' of their village.
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