Manoj Singh

KIMIN : Severe erosion has damaged the approach embankment of the Ranga-I Bridge over the Panyor River along the Kimin-Potin Road in Papum Pare district, disrupting heavy vehicle movement and raising concerns over the supply of essential commodities to several interior districts.

The damaged stretch at Km 7.50 of the Kimin-Potin Road is particularly significant as the route serves as a critical link to Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Upper Subansiri, Kamle and adjoining areas.

Papum Pare Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Bamang Yayu said the disruption has affected the transportation of petrol, diesel, ration items, LPG and other essential supplies. She said uninterrupted connectivity along the route was vital as it serves as a key junction connecting seven districts.

While light motor vehicles are being allowed to cross with caution, heavy vehicles have been barred following safety concerns arising from the damaged embankment.

Papum Pare Additional Deputy Commissioner Ocean Gao said heavy vehicle movement over the bridge was suspended on August 3 after the approach embankment collapsed following continuous heavy rainfall. A gate has been installed at the site to prevent heavy vehicles from using the vulnerable stretch.

Technical teams and bridge experts inspected the structure and found that the bridge itself remained intact, with no visible cracks. However, the collapse of the lower embankment has made the bridge unsafe for heavy traffic, necessitating urgent restoration measures.

An emergency meeting chaired by Gao on August 5, attended by villagers, Gaon Burahs, panchayat leaders and public representatives, resolved to restore an abandoned 4-km road connecting the 8-km point of the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) road to Upper Jumi village as an alternative route.

The proposed bypass, which has remained unused for years, requires extensive earthwork, drainage improvement, retaining structures and culvert repairs. A preliminary Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the Rural Works Department has estimated the restoration cost at Rs 10.9 crore.

Yayu said residents have urged the government to closely monitor restoration of the alternative route, stressing that temporary repair would not provide a lasting solution for such a strategically important inter-district road.

Villagers and local representatives unanimously assured full cooperation for the restoration work. M/s Peno Enterprises of Kimin has also agreed to undertake the work immediately under the technical supervision of the Rural Works Department, pending financial sanction from the government.

Gao said temporary measures, including drilling and anchoring at the damaged embankment, could facilitate diversion of traffic through the alternative route within about 10 days.

Meanwhile, the district administration is allowing small tankers and light vehicles carrying reduced loads to cross the bridge under strict regulation to prevent shortages of essential commodities. Public Distribution System (PDS) supplies are being transported in smaller vehicles and reloaded where necessary.

Gao said the Kimin-Potin Road has assumed greater importance following the closure of the Hoj-Potin Road and is currently the only functional route connecting several interior districts and strategically important border areas.

He thanked GREF and Rural Works Department officials for their prompt response and said the DPR had been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and the local MLA for necessary financial support. He emphasised that restoring uninterrupted connectivity remains a priority in the interests of public safety, essential services and national security. (DIPR)