Report: John Wilbert
Port Blair, August 2024: The residents of Udaygarh (Bolacha) village Baratang in North and Middle Andaman are voicing their concerns over the deteriorating state of a wooden bridge that has been a critical yet perilous crossing point for the community. Recently, a woman from the village sustained minor injuries after slipping and falling from the bridge during the rainy season. The incident highlighted the dangerous conditions, as the wooden logs on the bridge’s floor become slippery when wet.
Following the incident, Sarla Krishnan, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Sundargrah, immediately directed a village member to erect fencing along the bridge to enhance safety for those crossing. In response, Susita Tigga, a member of the panchayat, along with Kuldeep Barla, John Minj, and Avinash Kumar Barla, took the initiative to construct the pemporary fencing which is nessary.
Villagers expressed gratitue to Panchayat Members, but have expressed their dissatisfaction with the temporary repairs that have been made to the bridge over the years, often after damage caused by heavy rainfall. They allege that the bridge is in a severely poor state, lacking both support and side railings, which poses a continuous risk to those who use it. Despite their efforts to maintain the bridge in a walkable condition with the help of the panchayat, the community is now calling on the District Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman to intervene.
The villagers are requesting the construction of a permanent bridge, which would provide a safe and reliable crossing for the community, especially during the monsoon season when the risk of accidents is heightened. They hope that the administration will take swift action to address this long-standing issue and ensure the safety of the residents.
