While the government is yet to act on the weakened Rimanar Bridge, located in Samasi village under East Jaintia Hills district, the office of the District Transport Officer (DTO) had to hold an awareness programme today on its safe use.
The awareness programme was organised near the bridge in collaboration with the district administration which was attened by officials, traditional heads, villagers and others.
Motor Vehicle Inspector H. Dkhar expressed concern with regards to the fragile condition of the bridge and highlighted the several causes that weakened the bridge. He cautioned drivers to avoid overloading while crossing the bridge to avoid accidents.
Emphasising on the need to maintain the structure of the bridge, as it stands as the backbone of communication for the people of the area, he urged the gathering to cooperate with concerned departments including the Transport, PWD and Police departments.
Enforcement Inspector K. Tynsong said the Rimanar Bridge is the only mode of connectivity for people of the villages located in the area and appealed drivers to obey traffic regulations.
Daloi of Elaka Sumer, K. Mannar and the traditional heads of the area expressed concern over the condition of the bridge even as they urged upon the PWD Department to send a proposal to the government for construction of a new bridge in order to alleviate the problems faced by commuters through this stretch of the road.
It may be mentioned that overloaded trucks were banned to pass through the bridge through an order passed by the district magistrate in 2018.
Locals have blamed overloaded trucks transporting illegal coal responsible for the pitiful condition of the bridge. The Jaintia National Council (JNC), Sumer circle claimed that the lifespan of the bridge is 20 years but it is now 40 years old.
