Williamnagar, Oct 22:Two years ago, there was fanfare for the opening of Chisobibra hanging bridge over Simsang river in East Garo Hills constructed at the cost of over Rs 2 crore.
During a visit to the area on October 22, it was seen that cracks have developed on several portions of the aluminum pavement of the bridge.
More damage was done as there is no restriction for the two wheelers to pass through the bridge.
The 140-meter bridge connects two areas Chisobibra market and Chisobibra village.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had opened the bridge on April 5, 2022 in the presence of local MLA Marcuise Marak.
The total cost of the project was Rs 2,07,27,787.
MGNREGS fund was Rs.1,92,27,787 and the remaining Rs 15,00,000 was from the Basin Development.
The life span of the bridge is 20 years.
However, concerns were raised over the cost of the project as a concrete bridge is the need of the hour and not the hanging bridge considering the flow of the traffic including vehicles.
Enok Marak, Junior Engineer of Samanda Block, said that repair work of the bridge will be carried out soon.
He also said the two-wheelers are allowed but spacing is necessary.
To a question, Marak said since the land belongs to the forest department, permission to construct a concrete bridge is denied.
Philipsobn Marak, the Nokma of Chisobibra, said that the bridge is useful to the villagers in and around Chisobibra.
A group of journalists from.Shillong visited the area on October 22 as part of DIPR sponsored press tour.
