Koraput: An old bridge over the Kolab river canal suddenly gave way near Patraguda in Jeypore block’s Bariniput panchayat in the early hours of Saturday. No one was crossing the bridge at the time of collapse, said Sakthi Mahapatra, block development officer (Jeypore).The structure, maintained by the irrigation department, had been a vital link to 5 villages in Bariniput panchayat from Jeypore town. It’s collapse has disrupted daily life for local residents, particularly farmers transporting agricultural produce, schoolchildren, and other commuters who now must rely on longer detour routes via Bariniput. Huge chunks of concrete have fallen into the canal following the collapse, Mahapatra said.Police have been deployed at the site to prevent villagers from attempting to use the damaged bridge. He said several alternate routes remain available for villagers to access Jeypore though the detours are causing significant inconvenience.The irrigation department has been formally notified of the incident, and officials have assured that necessary repair or reconstruction measures will be undertaken promptly, he added.
