Rapti river erosion threatens ₹37 crore bridge approach road in Shravasti

Erosion caused by the Rapti river in Shravasti is taking an increasingly severe form. The erosion, which has been continuing for several days, has now reached right up to the mouth of the approach road of the Siswara Ghat bridge, built at a cost of ₹37 crore.

The river water has cut through the soil and entered inside the road up to approximately 1 foot, bringing the approach road's embankment directly into the line of danger.

If this section of the road washes away, the direct connection of hundreds of villages with the district headquarters will be severed. Villagers will have to travel a long detour of 80 kilometres just to cover a distance of merely 25 kilometres.

After the news was prominently shown in national media, there has been a flurry of activity in the Bridge Corporation and the local administration. Efforts are being intensified in a hurried manner to stop the erosion using bricks and soil-filled sacks.

District Magistrate Annapurna Garg has taken cognizance of the matter and issued instructions to the Bridge Corporation and the flood department to remain alert on the spot and carry out protective work on a war footing.

The biggest question is why preventive measures were not taken to secure the embankment and approach road when the river was calm.

Does the government machinery always switch to 'emergency mode' only after the alarm bells ring for crore-rupee projects?

Is the administration waiting for a major disaster to save this vital bridge worth ₹37 crore and the lifeline of the public?