New Barak Bridge red with ‘pan-gutka’ stains even before its inauguration

February 24: It’s an amazing night view. A causal glance at the picture of this bridge would convince many to believe that it is in Kolkata. But no, it’s our own new Sadarghat Bridge. The new Sadarghat bridge over river Barak is all dazzling with lights of white and blue shades. But wait what’s this? Even before its formal inauguration, the guard walls of the bridge has been ‘beautifully decorated’ with pan/gutka stains!

The bridge was supposed to be inaugurated by state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on 25 February. However, due to certain exigencies, the visit of minister Sarma has been cancelled. It is now learnt that the bridge will be inaugurated most probably on 2/3 March, 2019.

The bridge has not yet been opened for the public. Barricade is put on both the sides. Only the construction workers and security personnel have access to it. But that has not deterred the people to click selfies, though from a little distance. The incident of spitting consuming pan/gutka on the guard wall of the new bridge has given rise to sharp reaction in the social media.

Also Read: Inauguration of new Barak Bridge deferred as Himanta postpones his trip

Reacting to this incident, Sandipan Dutta Purkayastha, a resident of Silchar and an artist of repute said, “I denounce such activity in strong words and would urge upon the people to keep the bridge neat and clean. It’s our own town we are duty bound to keep it clean.” He further said that the government is trying to achieve ‘Swachha Bharat’, but until and unless we the people become aware and active, nothing could be attained.

Tamal Chakraborty, who teaches Political Science at. G.C. College, Silchar also regarded this matter as highly unfortunate. He said, “We all know how to enjoy our rights but fail to perform our duties. It really pains to note how people exhibit contradictory behaviour while using public and private property. People have now become very self-centered. It is highly irritating to know how a beautiful bridge was littered even before it is inaugurated.” He urged upon all to act wisely as it is our basic duty to maintain properly the public property.

This new bridge has been constructed under Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) Scheme of Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). The construction work of this bridge has been completed within a time of five years. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid in the year of 2014 by the then State Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Ajanta Neog during the Congress regime.