State authorities ensure connectivity in Maoist-infested region of Orissa

Rayagada, Mar 14 (ANI): Authorities in the Maoist-infested area of Orissa's Rayagada District have constructed a 151-metres long suspension bridge.

This bridge would provide safe and easy accessible links for the tribal population residing in Chekaguda and other villages in the region.

Briefing mediapersons at the construction site, Rayagada District Collector Nitin Bhanudas Jawle mentioned that this is second of its kind in the state.

He said with the coming up of this bridge, the concerned block authorities in the district are confident of curbing and solving the Maoist menace in the region.

This bridge would enable the tribals residing here to interact with the mainstream of the society without any fear.

"It's a great achievement for all of us and this is part of our plan and our vision to provide low cost and fast connectivity to rural areas. We will be building a number of such bridges in our district. This bridge has been built under integrated action plan," said Jawle.

The bridge is expected to bring over 20,000-odd tribal families residing in nine village councils, on both sides of the River Nagabali closer to the district headquarters at Rayagada.

On their part, the locals appreciated the initiative undertaken by the district authorities.

"We had only one hanging bridge made by our villagers, which was the only way of our communication. The bridge was not made professionally so we were sacred while walking on it but did not have any option. Now we are happy that government had made this new stable bridge," said Pradeep Das, a resident.

The bridge would undoubtedly boost the economy of the region and give scope to the farmers to bring their products to Rayagada city and sell these at a suitable market price, noted Gangadhar, another villager of Chekaguda.

While conceding the yearlong demands of villagers for the construction of a bridge over the river, the erection work was taken up in December 2011 and completed within a record period of three months. (ANI)