Dudhia, 20th June: Residents of Dudhia have received some relief after rainfall stopped since Thursday night, allowing the water level of the Balason River to recede and repair work to begin on the damaged temporary bridge.
The Balason, a fast-flowing hill river, had turned dangerous following continuous heavy rainfall on Thursday night. The rising water level submerged the temporary Hume pipe bridge at Dudhia, disrupting connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik.
With the river level gradually decreasing, the Public Works Department (PWD) has initiated repair work on the damaged structure. JCB machines have been deployed to remove sand accumulated near the bridge and maintain the river’s natural flow, while repair work on the damaged temporary bridge is underway.
Officials said that if weather conditions remain favourable, the bridge is expected to be restored within the next three days. Once the repair work is completed, road connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik, which was disrupted due to the damage to the bridge, is expected to resume.
Meanwhile, locals said the absence of fresh rainfall since Thursday night has brought some relief, although heavy rainfall is still forecast in several districts of North Bengal.