Villagers in relief as work on bridge across Kanthayar near Sirumugai resumes

Villagers in relief as work of bridge across Kanthayar near Sirumugai resumes

Residents of four tribal hamlets are in relief as the long-pending construction of a bridge across Kanthayar, a tributary of River Bhavani, at Lingapuram near Sirumugai in Coimbatore district is currently in progress.

The work resumed last month-end after water level in Bhavanisagar reservoir receded. As Lingapuram falls under the water storage areas of the reservoir, the work could be undertaken only when the water level of the reservoir declines, according to authorities.

The dam’s water level stood at 74.74 feet as against its full reservoir level (FRL) of 105 ft on Sunday. The State government announced a new bridge in 2022 as the existing bridge constructed in 2008 gets submerged when the FRL exceeds 96 ft. Works for the new bridge started in March 2023. Pillars for the centre portion of the bridge, which were pending, are progressing now.

The new bridge is a big relief for about 200 families living in four hamlets Kandhavayal (Melur), Kandhaiyur (Mokkamedu), Alurvayal and Uliyur.

“They have been depending on coracles and boats arranged by district administration when the existing bridge gets submerged,” said P. Prakash, a social worker from Sirumugai.

A farmer from Kandhavayal said residents, especially children and elderly, find it difficult to cross the river using coracles during monsoon. “We are happy that the work has resumed now,” he said.