Locals Protest Against Bridge Removal in Kalan Area

The protest in Kalan over the removal of a temporary floating bridge on the Ramganga Bahgul river has entered its fourth day. Locals are demanding a new bridge or the reinstatement of the pontoon bridge, which had been set up after the concrete bridge sustained damage in 2021.

A protest by local residents in the Kalan area regarding the removal of a temporary floating bridge over the Ramganga Bahgul river entered its fourth consecutive day on Wednesday.

The pontoon bridge had been constructed after structural damage rendered the concrete bridge unusable in 2021. On Sunday, villagers began a sit-in near the damaged bridge in Kolaghat, seeking either the construction of a new bridge or the reinstallation of the pontoon bridge.

Frustration over extended travel distances was voiced by Shailendra Pandey from Mirzapur village, who noted the removal has forced residents to travel nearly 60 kilometers to reach the district headquarters. Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kalan, Mahesh Kumar, highlighted that over 212 villages have been affected. The temporary bridge was dismantled almost a month ago due to rising river levels from monsoon rains, according to protesters. District Magistrate (DM) Umesh Pratap Singh reported that the matter has been raised with the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)