Kohima: The concrete bridge connecting Darogajan Village and Purana Bazaar in Dimapur, collapsed last evening due to heavy rains, which was only feasible means of road communication to Dimapur town for people of 50 to 60 villages beyond.
According to sources, the people of the affected villages have been forced to take a long narrow route through Toluvi village in its absence.
The bridge collapsed as the rain-fed high spate river washed away the soil below the bridge sinking the surface of the road. Besides, the bridge, meant only for small vehicles, has been used over the years by heavy load trucks plying bricks to and fro from the area.
Darogajan Village Council Chairman Vitokhu Achumi has lamented that despite appeals made to the government to repair bridge, no initiative was taken.
A report to this end was carried by local dailies even in mid-August this year. The bridge, he said, has served the people as a lifeline over the years.
The model colony council chairman, L Nillo Swu, has appealed the DC of Dimapur to immediately repair the said bridge with the help of emergency funds.
The river, also known as Sugarmill River, one of the main tributaries in Dimapur area that flows into Dhansiri River, has also washed away a portion of two main roads leading to Model Colony, Purana Bazaar and United Colony, Purana Bazaar ‘B’. (UNI)