Residents of Ward 24 in Salem demand new low-lying bridge

Residents demand new low-lying bridge in Elumalai Vattam after old bridge washed away in heavy rain, affecting connectivity.

The residents of Elumalai Vattam in ward 24 demanded that Salem Corporation construct a new low-lying bridge between Kandampatti Main Road and Moola Pillaiyar Kovil areas as the old bridge was washed away in the recent rain.

Due to heavy rain that lashed Salem city and Yercaud in December 2024, rainwater stagnated on the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway and the low-lying bridge at Elumalai Vattam near Kandampatti Main Road near the highway was completely washed away. This affected connectivity between Kandampatti Main Road and Moola Pillaiyar Kovil areas.

At present, people travel four more kilometres from Moola Pillaiyar Kovil to reach Elumalai Vattam.

S. Raju, a truck driver, said that in the absence of the bridge, it was difficult to ride heavy vehicles in congested areas. As sawmills, minor industries, and godowns were functioning at Elumalai Vattam, vehicles passed through the locality to unload or load vehicles all the time. The Corporation did not even install a board cautioning vehicles that headed to Moola Pillaiyar Temple from Kandampatti Main Road. As there was no way, vehicles that used the road return to Kandampatti Main Road, taking alternate routes, Mr. Raju added.

G. Anand, a worker at a godown in Elumalai Vattam, said that as the bridge was washed away, the transformer near the bridge lost its balance, and the TNEB workers put stones and rocks to prevent the transformer from falling. Only if the Corporation repaired the bridge or constructed a new one, the electric poles and the transformer could be repaired or replaced, Mr. Anand added.

Councillor of Ward 24 councillor K. Chandra (AIADMK) said that the low-lying bridge was constructed 40 years ago. As it was damaged, the Corporation officials installed two pipes for the flow of rainwater and covered it using mud. Thirumanimutharu River was also dredged before the rain. But due to heavy rain, the bridge was washed away completely. “Many times, we took this issue to the Corporation officials, but no action has been taken,” she said. The Corporation should construct a new bridge soon, Ms. Chandra added.

Salem Suramangalam zonal officials said that the issue had come to their knowledge, and steps would be taken to construct the bridge.