Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 12: Equipment and materials connected with the bridge under construction across River Swarna that is meant to provide connectivity to Manipal via Kolalagiri,Parari and Sheembra, were washed away due to heavy rain which the region experienced on the night of Sunday June 11. The work on this bridge had begun in December last.

The contractors entrusted with the bridge work said they had planned to suspend work on the bridge on account of rainy season in about two days. Unexpectedly, water flow in the river swelled all of a sudden on Saturday night, giving rise to this incident. Metal equipment and various other materials which had been stocked on the bank of the river for use in the bridge work have been washed away. Sand stacked on the spot for the bridge too has disappeared. As huge quantum of water, which was not anticipated, suddenly came gushing in the river, the things could not be shifted elsewhere in time, it is learnt. Although the generator was inundated and developed problems, it could be brought to the bank on Sunday, the contractors said.

Those executing this project had planned to stop work by June 15 as they felt that water flow in the river would be less because of absence of enough rainfall till then. Work on construction of a pillar was going on in full swing and the contractors had hoped to complete it ahead of schedule.

The contractors have pointed out that the water flow in the river was negligible even though the region was getting good rainfall since the last two days. They feel that their things were washed away and they had to face huge losses perhaps on account sudden release of water from Baje dam on Saturday night. The contractors have estimated loss of about Rs 20 lac and requested the officials to compensate the loss.