Factional feud in DMK delays restoration works at Mapilaiyoorani: Residents

TWO major bridges, built on Thamirabarani, in Eral and Authoor less than 10 years ago, have been washed away after the recent floods, raising concerns over the safety of newlyconstructed bridges.

-  S GODSON WISELY DASS

In contrast, century-old bridges in Srivaikuntam and Vallanadu and other old bridges on canals remain intact.

The bridge at Eral, connecting the commercial town on the north bank with the Sethukuvaithan-Kurangani junction on the south bank, was built during 2015-16 for 16 crore. When the Thambirabarani was in spate on December 18, nearly 200 metres of the approach path linking the northern bank to the bridge was washed away.

Similarly, the Authoor bridge, built in 2014 to connect Mukkani and North Authoor, was damaged near the central span. The central pillar crumbled, resulting in a cave-in.

In both Eral and North Authoor, the government is forced to use the old causeway and bridge for relief and rescue efforts.

The old Authoor bridge, which still stands strong, was thrown open for traffic after the flood damage. Both bridges were built during the tenure of late Chief Minister Kamaraj, locals pointed out.

According to an inscription near the Eral causeway, it was built on top of a low-lying British-era bridge, which stands as a base for the causeway, for 13.20 lakh, RTI activist Jeyabalan pointed out.