Jhargram13 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
Heavy monsoon rains have washed away a crucial fair-weather (temporary) bridge over the Subarnarekha River, disrupting road connectivity between Sankrail and Nayagram blocks in West Bengal’s Jhargram district. The incident has left thousands of residents stranded and severely affected daily life.
Bridge collapse isolates thousands of residents
According to local sources, the water level of the Subarnarekha River rose sharply after continuous rainfall over the past few days. The temporary bridge, unable to withstand the strong current, collapsed under the pressure of the floodwaters.
Rising river destroys temporary fair weather bridge
The bridge served as a vital link for residents of Gadhara and nearby villages, connecting Sankrail and Nayagram. With the structure washed away, school and college students, daily wage labourers, traders and patients requiring emergency medical care are facing major difficulties in commuting.
Boats become only risky travel option
At present, boats have become the only option for crossing the swollen river, posing significant safety risks during the monsoon. Alternatively, residents are forced to take long detours, increasing both travel time and transportation costs.
Locals alleged that the temporary bridge is damaged almost every monsoon when the Subarnarekha swells and reiterated their long-standing demand for a permanent concrete bridge at the site.
Administration arranges boats pending permanent solution
Although the administration has arranged temporary boat services to maintain connectivity, residents of both Sankrail and Nayagram are urging the government to provide a permanent solution to prevent the recurring disruption every rainy season.
