Odisha: CM Naveen Patnaik to inaugurate bridge in Maoist-hit area
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is set to inaugurate 910-meter-long Gurupriya bridge in Malkangiri on July 18, connecting the "cut-off areas" of the Maoist-hit district with the mainland, a government official said. The bridge on river Janbai would ensure easy access to nearby towns for nine panchayats in inaccessible areas of Malkangiri, considered a "safe haven of left-wing extremists", he said. Here's more.
People living in remote-areas had been demanding bridge for 40-years
Earlier this year, the state government had installed CCTV cameras on the bridge to help BSF and CRPF personnel track the movements of Maoists in the area. Dambaru Sisa, BJD MLA from Chitrakonda seat, said the construction work of bridge has been completed. "Cut off by Balimela reservoir, people living in remote part had been demanding a bridge for around 40 years," he added.
Former Odisha CM laid foundation stone for bridge in 1982
Former CM JB Patnaik had laid the foundation stone for the bridge in 1982. However, the inaccessibility of the site, coupled with other roadblocks including Maoist threats, resulted in the delay of the project. In 2014, Naveen Patnaik laid another foundation stone for the bridge.
