Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 29 December 2023
Rangalal Halder, the President of the Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee, has raised an urgent call for immediate action regarding the state of the Iron Bridge over Kimoius River at Car Nicobar. In a letter directed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Halder highlighted the bridge is broken, emphasising its dire consequences for the local populace.
The Iron Bridge, erected post-tsunami, has languished in a non-functional state for the past five years. Halder underscored the detrimental impact this dereliction has inflicted upon approximately 2000 residents residing in the villages of Arong, Sawai, and Titok. These communities heavily rely on the bridge for daily commuting, yet its dilapidation has disrupted their lives significantly.
Residents are facing considerable hardships due to the unusable state of the bridge, compelling them to cover substantial distances to fulfill their daily activities. Halder stressed that this predicament has not only hampered their routine lives but has also severely affected their economic pursuits.
In light of these pressing concerns, Halder passionately advocated for the construction of a new Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Bridge over the Kimoius River. This proposal aims to ensure the safety and welfare of the tribal community members who heavily depend on this crucial link for their livelihoods.
Moreover, Halder urged the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to prioritise the immediate construction of the new bridge. He emphasised that swift action is imperative to alleviate the suffering of the affected residents, avert potential accidents, and mitigate the adverse economic repercussions faced by the region.