Heavy rainfall destroyed a temporary bridge over the Sandul River last night. The collapse occurred near Khajuriguda village in Kalahandi district’s Lanjigarh block.
Floodwaters surged after 110.4 mm of rain and swept away the bridge. The collapse cut off eight villages from three panchayats—Bijepur, Malijubang, and Pahadpadar.
Around 420 families now face isolation. They cannot access roads, schools, or health centers. Villagers struggle to reach Bijepur Panchayat office and Biswanathpur block headquarters.
Officials approved the Sandul River bridge project in 2023 after years of complaints. A Bhawanipatna-based contractor started construction that year. Workers built only three partial pillars before the department stopped the project in April.
Villagers blame poor execution and slow progress for the delay. The department halted work and never resumed it. Locals used an old route with a temporary bridge until floodwaters destroyed it.
The affected villages include Sekhojhula, Panpadar, Durlabundel, Sakeskundru, Jira, Punjam, Tainpadar, and Khajuriguda. Emergency services cannot reach these areas. Residents cannot transport critical patients.
No political leaders or officials have visited the villages. Locals demand immediate action from the Kalahandi District Collector.
The Sandul River bridge collapse triggered public outrage. Residents demand accountability and want authorities to complete the bridge and provide relief.
