Loraput, 9th Aug 2025: Due to the recent rainfall, the people of Bhooguchhadi 6th ward are facing serious difficulties. Such scenes are visible in the Sadar block under the Umurti Panchayat of Koraput district. Despite the dangerous condition of the long bridge, children cross it daily to attend school. Locals have urged the authorities to immediately repair it.
Koshagumuda (297/AP): In Nabarangpur district, under the Koshagumuda block, the Baskel bridge near Sanagumuda has collapsed. A few days ago, the foundation of the bridge had cracked, and now the upper part has also fallen, severing communication completely.
Upon receiving the news, district rural development officials including Executive Engineer Bhachana Shankar and Assistant Engineer Debarshi Nagal visited and inspected the site. The area has been cordoned off with soil, stopping all vehicular movement.
Locals reported that this bridge, constructed over the Angi river for around ₹6 crore, was completed over 10 years ago. Over time, due to neglect and heavy unauthorized use by tipper trucks transporting sand illegally over the bridge, it weakened and eventually collapsed.
More than 100 villages like Bodinga, D.M. Semla, Ekori, Badagumuda, Tararg, Atigaan, Modgaan, and M. Keragaan depended on this road and bridge for daily travel. Now, with the bridge collapsed, it poses a serious threat to commuters, and ambulance services like Lakshmi Bus and Natwarikalin are also disrupted.
Now, over 40,000 people from the area are facing isolation and risk, as there’s uncertainty over when the bridge might completely wash away. The district administration is being urged to take this matter seriously and immediately provide an alternative solution.
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Collapsed Culvert on the Ramuri Road – Urgent Repairs Needed
A culvert connecting Shuliguda in Lamura Panchayat to Ramuri is also in a critical condition. The culvert was built over a stream coming down from the hills and cost about ₹3 lakhs. Due to continuous rainfall, water overflowed in the stream, eroding the soil and damaging the culvert severely.
Villages like Khagadara, Machhara, Maliguda, Taramaliguda, Khaparaput, and others – a total of six panchayats – depend on this road. More than 30 students from these villages use this road daily to reach Umpuri High School.
Now, with the culvert damaged, locals are in danger and walking is the only option left. No vehicles can pass, making access difficult. Despite notifying higher authorities about the condition, the situation remains unchanged.
Travel over the damaged area has been restricted, and the local Sarpanch has promised that animal feed and essentials will be supplied to the affected villages. Villagers are demanding immediate repair of the road and construction of a new, durable bridge for safe and secure travel.
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