Malkangiri: After reports of bending of four under construction pillars of Gurupriya bridge connecting the cut-off area in the district, the local MLA has questioned the quality of work of the much hyped dream project of the Chitrakonda people.
MLA Dambaru Sisa, who alleged that low quality construction led to the bending of the pillars, said he will draw attention of chief minister Naveen Patnaik in this regard.
"I had drawn the attention of the construction company and concerned authorities about the low quality of materials used in the construction work, during my visit to the bridge site. I had also raised the issue in the Assembly. The matter will be brought to the notice of the chief minister and I will personally request the CM to take action against the authorities," the MLA said.
On the other hand Public Works Department secretary Nalini Pradhan dismissed the allegation of low quality work.
The construction company will be asked to repair the pillars at its own expense, he said.
The bridge is not only a long-standing dream of the citizens of around 152 villages living in the cut off area, but is also significant as the Maoist stronghold of Chitrakonda has remained a major headache for the government due to lack of communication. Anti-Maoist operations have been seriously affected in the cut-off areas in the absence of proper communication facilities.
On the other hand, water is flowing 40 feet above the damaged pillars which may pose a problem in carrying out the repair, locals said.
Notably, the bridge needs 112 pillars out of which 64 have been constructed,