Rajganj, 02nd January: Locals of Simulguri in Rajganj risk their lives to cross the Teesta Canal through a damaged bridge, which is on the verge of collapse.
Reportedly, the residents of Simaluguri village of Mantadari Gram Panchayat of Rajganj block have been demanding the repairment or construction of a new bridge over Teesta Canal for a long time. However, all their pleas fell on deaf ears. As a result, the locals of Simaluguri, Mantadari and Farabari villages are compelled to cross the canal risking their lives.
Locals allege the bridge over the Teesta Canal has been in a deplorable condition for nearly 10 years. Hundreds of people commute through the canal every day and night. As the bridge is weak, all vehicle entry on it has been barred. Hence making it very difficult for the locals to take patients to the hospital. Apart from this, the said area is densely forested due to which locals fear of being attacked by wild elephants and other animals. Therefore, they are demanding the construction of the bridge at the earliest.