A bridge too far for Kalimpong villagers

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, JUNE 28, 2022 : It has been almost two and a half years since the foundation stone of the Chemung River Bridge at Gitdabling was laid. Residents of the area haveresolved to come out on the street and stage a protest if the construction of the bridge was delayed further. More than two years ago, on February 14, 2020, the foundation stone of the bridge was laid by Prime Minister's Village Road Planning Department for a concrete bridge over the Chemung River near Gitdabling Budhabare Bazaar. 

The bridge has not yet been completed. Residents of the Budhabare-Pochok stretch are outraged over the delay in the construction of the concrete bridge that would connect Budhabare Bazar with more than 12 villages, residents of which are now compelled to cross the river. 

According to Roman Rai, a resident of the area, the residents of more than 12 villages are compelled to cross the river and have to suffer in every rainy season. Their agony has been prolonged over the delay in the construction of the bridge. There was no other option but to cross the river. According to Sukraj Rai, another villager, a suspension bridge was built on the river in 1974 for the convenience of the public. However, the dilapidated suspension bridge collapsed last year. 

As the water level of the river starts rising in the rainy season, traffic is disrupted here every year. School children have to take a vacation and stay at home. The same inconvenience is experience by patients who have to be taken to hospitals.