The discussion over the lifespan of Umiam Bridge took centre stage in the Assembly today.
The question that sparked the discussion was raised by Nongkrem MLA Ardent M Basaiawmoit, with several other legislators in the opposition also chipping in.
Basaiawmoit asked if the bridge, which was commissioned in 1965 and is part of Umiam hydroelectric dam, has had any retrofitting or improvement work done to strengthen it since then.
Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal replied that, to assess the condition of the concrete gravity dam of the Umiam Stage I, a study on the traffic condition and vibration measurement was conducted by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) of Pune and Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. A study was also carried out by IIT Guwahati.
The report mentioned that vibration levels were still under the permissible limit, though suggestions for retrofitting of the bridge were made in order that the bridge can withstand increased vehicular movement.
Basaiawmoit said that the government took cognisance only after the intervention of the High Court and he questioned whether the state has taken any precautions over dangers such as corrosion of steel used in the bridge’s construction.
Mondal responded that the government is taking all necessary steps and has even consulted with the Public Works Department (PWD) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for an alternative route.
However, the project was delayed after the Geological Survey of India (GSI) stated that this proposal was not feasible as the planned road was too close to the main dam and that drilling and blasting would affect the bridge. At present, the concerned department is still trying to find another route that can be created as an alternative to the Umiam bridge route.
Meanwhile, Nongthymmai MLA Charles Pyngrope also suggested that the government should completely ban the movement of loaded trucks from this bridge if the said capacity of the bridge is 20 tonnes. “If the minister in charge said that the weight capacity is 20 tonnes then how are they allowing trucks because a truck itself (without freight) weighs 19 tonnes?” Pyngrope queried.
