Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed a 180-feet bailey bridge in the Jauljibi sector of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, in less than three weeks despite frequent landslides and heavy rains. The 50-metre span concrete bridge was completely washed out on July 27 when a cloudburst hit the area leading to flash floods in streams and rivers in the area. This caused a mudflow of tremendous force. There were several casualties also due to landslides and road communication was broken.
The BRO mobilised its bridging resources and set up to construct the bridge. The biggest challenge was to transport parts to the site from Pithoragarh amidst frequent landslides and heavy rains. The bridge was completed on August 16. This has restored access to the flood-affected villages and has connected Jauljibi to Munsiyari.
The connectivity will bring relief to about 15,000 people in 20 villages. The constructed bridge has resumed road communication of 66-km road starting from Jauljibi to Munsiyari. Local Member of Parliament, Ajay Tamta had expressed his concern about the worst-affected isolated villages of Lumti and Mori at 25-km from Jauljibi where maximum deaths had taken place. This bridge will provide essential support in rehabilitating the villages.