Photo: Messenger
A bridge on Gidari River in Ulipur of Kurigram, has collapsed under the relentless force of the river's powerful currents.
This devastating incident, which occurred during the early hours of Thursday, has created a profound disruption for approximately 10,000 residents hailing from six villages within Pandul Union.
The bridge, originally constructed in Kagipara village prior to the nation's independence, has remained untouched by renovations since its inception.
Local sources have revealed that the Water Development Board (PUBO) initiated the excavation of the Gidari River last March. Tragically, the collapse of the bridge was a direct consequence of soil shifting beneath it, a consequence of the heightened water flow resulting from the upstream conditions.
To mitigate this, the contracting company associated with the Paubor river dredging project deployed 1,200 geo bags in a futile attempt to reduce the water's intensity. Their efforts were in vain, and the bridge succumbed to the relentless forces on that fateful Thursday morning.
The ramifications of this disaster are painfully felt by the affected populace. Residents of six villages, including Kagipara, Ambhadrapara, Chaklirpar, and Jatiyapara within Pandul Union, as well as teachers and students commuting to Kagipara Government Primary School, relied on the bridge for their daily transportation.
The collapse of the bridge has left them with no alternative but to undertake arduous detours for their daily commute, significantly impacting their lives.
Efforts are now underway to construct temporary wooden bridges to facilitate the flow of traffic. However, this process is anticipated to take approximately one week.
The inhabitants of the region are pleading with the authorities to expedite the construction of a new bridge to restore normalcy and ease their daily struggles.
In the wake of this catastrophe, the community's ability to access healthcare and emergency services has been severely compromised, and residents fear delays in crucial situations such as medical emergencies and fires. Furthermore, school students face trepidation as they traverse the makeshift paths now necessitated by the collapse of the bridge.
The local authorities have taken notice of this dire situation, with Ulipur Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kazi Mahmudur Rahman taking action. Signboards warning of the bridge's perilous condition had already been posted after a pillar collapse, and the Upazila Project Implementation Officer has been directed to allocate the necessary funds for the construction of a temporary pedestrian bridge over the Gidari River.
The residents remain hopeful that a more permanent solution will be implemented in the near future, allowing their lives to return to a semblance of normalcy.
Messenger/Shahinul/Fardin
