[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, 23 Jun: The residents here in Upper Subansiri district have expressed deep concern over the dilapidated condition of the Pakam Colony suspension bridge over the Subansiri River.

The bridge’s structure is reportedly on the verge of collapse due to its deteriorating condition.

Local residents urged the government and the district administration to take immediate action. They cautioned that any delay in repairing, replacing, or restricting access to the bridge could lead to a major tragedy, as  thousands of people continue to use the bridge every day despite the risks.

The public has appealed to the authorities concerned to prioritise safety measures and initiate urgent action before any unfortunate incident occurs.

The bridge serves as a vital lifeline for thousands of residents living on the opposite bank of the Subansiri River. It connects several villages in Dumporijo constituency with Daporijo and is used daily by villagers, commuters, students, and other members of the public for their routine activities.

According to officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), several parts of the bridge have become severely rusted and weak over the years, making it unsafe for public use. Officials warned that the bridge could collapse at any time if immediate measures are not taken.

When contacted regarding the condition of the bridge, PWD officials stated that the department has already declared the bridge unfit for pedestrian movement owing to its dilapidated state. They further informed that a formal letter has been submitted to the deputy commissioner, requesting for immediate closure of the bridge to prevent any untoward incident.

However, according to the officials, no response has yet been received from the district administration.

Responding to queries regarding bridge maintenance, the officials explained that both major and minor maintenance works have been carried out regularly. However, they noted that the bridge has already completed more than two decades of service, and despite periodic repairs, the department cannot guarantee its structural durability any longer.