[ Bengia Ajum ]

KIMIN, 3 Aug:  The approach embankment of the Ranga-I bridge over the Panyor river on the Kimin-Potin road has been extensively damaged due to heavy rainfall over the past few days, raising concerns over connectivity as the road has become the main lifeline for the people of Papum Pare, Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Kra Daadi, Upper Subansiri and Kurung Kumey districts following the closure of the Hoj-Potin road after the June 24 cloudburst.

The damaged approach embankment is located at Km 7.50 on the Kimin-Potin road.

Following the damage, the Papum Pare district administration has issued a travel advisory, restricting the movement of heavy vehicles on this route and advising light motor vehicle users to cross the bridge with utmost caution.

Talking to this daily, Kimin Additional Deputy Commissioner Ocean Gao informed that one side of the bridge’s abutment has been damaged, posing a serious threat to commuters.

“I, along with BRTF (GREF) officials, visited the bridge. The soil erosion caused by incessant heavy rainfall on one side of the bridge is posing a serious threat. The BRTF team has put up barricades to stop the movement of heavy vehicles, as their movement might cause further damage to the bridge,” said Gao.

He further said that an alternative route via the Kojum bridge is being explored.

“Within the next few days, we will work out an alternative route. Once it is ready, we will first divert heavy vehicles and later light motor vehicles as well, so that the BRTF can carry out repair work on the bridge,” he added.

With heavy rainfall predicted in the coming days, people are worried.

 “Due to the closure of the Hoj-Potin road, the Kimin-Potin road is our main lifeline. If this road also gets closed, people will suffer immensely. Efforts should be made to restore the Hoj-Potin road at the earliest,” said a resident.

Meanwhile, the Hoj-Potin road continues to remain closed to traffic. A major portion of the road near the waterfall area before reaching Potin was completely washed away on 24 June. More than a month has passed, but the PWD Highway Division has not yet been able to take any concrete steps to restore the damaged stretch.