Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Feb 21: Residents of TV Kulam village and nearby villages have been facing persistent issues due to the closure of the steel Bailey bridge situated at the village’s entrance, under the jurisdiction of Shivapuram Gram Panchayat.
Concerned by the lack of action from the administration, villagers convened a meeting on February 18, 2024, inviting the Pradhan (village head) of Shivapuram Gram Panchayat, Mr. Venkateshwar Rao, to address the pressing matter.
During the meeting, residents openly discussed the various challenges posed by the deteriorating bridge and expressed their grievances to the village head. The bridge, critical for connectivity, has been in a state of disrepair for several years, posing serious safety risks to the villagers and hence the bridge was closed for public. Despite numerous appeals to the authorities, no concrete steps have been taken to address the situation, leaving the residents in distress, villagers noted.
Last year the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mayabunder had ordered to close the T V Kulum Bridge, Swadesh Nagar for all vehicular traffic & pedestrians from both the end w.e.f 20.09.2023, keeping in view the safety of public.
The Pradhan brought the issue to the attention of the higher authorities several occasions in past, highlighting the longstanding neglect of the TV Kulam bridge by the administration. However, no meaningful action has been initiated to address the villagers’ concerns, prompting them to escalate their protest. It was decided during the meeting that residents, along with those from neighboring Swadesh Nagar and Harinagar Panchayats, would stage a dharna (sit-in protest) in front of the TV Kulam bridge on March 4, 2024.
Should their demands remain unmet, the villagers have planned to intensify their agitation by organizing a road blockade on NH4 on March 5, 2024. Expressing their frustration with the authorities’ apathy towards their plight, the villagers warned of boycotting the upcoming Sabha elections if their grievances continue to be ignored.
Residents argue that if the administration continues to turn a blind eye to their suffering, there is no point in participating in elections that do not address their fundamental issues.
Meanwhile, talking to Andaman Sheekha a villager said that previously, the bridge allowed passage for two-wheelers and pedestrians. However, currently, access to the bridge is restricted for everyone.
“People residing in TV Kulam, Dharmapur, and neighboring areas now have to take a longer route via CFO Nallah Bridge to reach ATR/NH 4 and vice versa. This has particularly affected children and elderly individuals who must endure the extended journey on foot. Additionally, numerous students from Dharmapur and TV Kulam-5, attending schools in Shivapuram, Padmanabhapuram, etc., also face the inconvenience of the longer commute. Government employees and workers are similarly experiencing difficulties due to the closure of the bridge. It has remained partially or completely shut for the past five years,” he elaborated.
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