Hanging bridge in Rayagada turns into ‘death trap’ for tourists

Rayagada: Known for its scenic beauty, Rayagada is fast turning into a favourite tourist destination in Odisha. However, resentment is brewing among local residents as 17 people have been killed in several mishaps in the past one and a half years at the hanging bridge over Nagabali River here.

Though the administration claims to have installed a caution signage, such measures have not proved enough keeping in view the increase in casualties.

“It is a beautiful place, but no security guards have been deployed for which mishaps occur,” said Uma Maheswari, a tourist.

Debasish Panda, a local resident stated that "The entire exercise to ensure safety is limited to installation of signboards. Every other day we are coming across news regarding death of tourists here.”

Rayagada Fire Officer, Kavindra Sunani informed that despite cautionary signage, tourists are misjudging the water level of the river and as there are sharp stones, precious lives are being lost.

“There have been mishaps while taking selifes on the bridge or bathing in the river. We will apprise senior officials and request for deployment of home guards at the site,” said Inspector-in-Charge of Rayagada Town Police Station, Krushna Chandra Bhatra.