In Gujarat, five bridges on the Narmada Canal have been completely closed due to safety issues. This decision comes after a thorough visual inspection of 2,110 bridges on the canal network. Heavy rains have damaged various roads and bridges in the state, prompting urgent repair work ordered by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The Narmada Canal network, managed by the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, spans approximately 69,000 km and irrigates around 1.79 million hectares of land. The inspection aimed to assess the condition of the bridges and prevent potential failures. It is crucial to ensure the safety and longevity of these structures.
Out of the inspected bridges, five were deemed unsafe for traffic and have been closed immediately. Additionally, four more bridges were restricted to heavy vehicles based on their load capacity. Thirty-six bridges were also identified as needing urgent repairs.
The five bridges that are now completely closed are:
1. A bridge connecting Ajitgarh and Ghantila village on the Maliya branch canal in Morbi district.
2. A bridge on the Maliya branch canal between National Highway 151A and the Machhu River in Morbi district.
3. A bridge located near Dhanki-Chharda village on the Saurashtra branch canal in Surendranagar district.
4. A bridge near Lakhtar-Vana village on the Saurashtra branch canal in Surendranagar district.
5. A bridge near Bala-Bala Farm in Vadwan taluka, also on the Saurashtra branch canal in Surendranagar district.
Additionally, four bridges have been prohibited for heavy vehicles:
1. A bridge on the state highway connecting Fhedra-Bagodara and Bhavnagar on the Vallabhipur branch canal in Ahmedabad district.
2. A bridge on the canal connecting Naroda in Ahmedabad and Dehgam in Gandhinagar.
3. A bridge on the canal linking Raipur and Medrana in Ahmedabad district.
4. A bridge on the canal connecting Siddhalla and Suigam in Patan district.
Regular inspections are essential to identify and address potential risks. The ongoing monitoring and maintenance of these bridges are crucial for ensuring their safety and efficiency in the future. The state government emphasizes the importance of taking timely action to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the public. Residents and commuters are urged to remain cautious while traveling in the affected areas and to report any concerns regarding the condition of the bridges.