Ramganga River erosion destroys vital Bareilly bridge
A vital bridge connecting Mirganj and Aonla tehsils in Bareilly has been partially destroyed due to intense Ramganga River erosion.
A critical infrastructure link in Uttar Pradesh has been severely compromised after the Ramganga River erosion caused a significant portion of a bridge to collapse. The damage occurred near Gora Loknathpur village, effectively severing the connection between the Mirganj and Aonla tehsils in the Bareilly district.
Connectivity severed as river swallows bridge foundation
The incident unfolded on Wednesday morning when the swift currents of the Ramganga River breached the structure's foundation. Local residents reported that the river had been aggressively eating away at the soil for several days, raising alarms about the structural integrity of the bridge. By Wednesday, the situation reached a breaking point, with the river's force successfully severing the initial section of the bridge on the Mirganj side.
The destruction has caused immediate chaos for local commuters who rely on this route for daily travel between the two tehsils. The partial collapse has rendered the bridge impassable, leaving residents to face significant logistical hardships.
Authorities cordon off damaged site
Following the collapse, local police and administrative officials rushed to the site to manage the situation. To prevent any potential accidents or loss of life, authorities have cordoned off the affected area, strictly prohibiting residents from attempting to cross the unstable structure.
Security measures have been implemented around the site to ensure public safety while the extent of the damage is assessed. Local witnesses, including Pramod Sharma, Gajendra Kashyap, and Bhanu Pratap Singh Fauji, gathered at the scene to observe the aftermath of the river's fury.
Rising water levels trigger land loss
Villagers have pointed to the recent persistent rainfall and the subsequent rise in the Ramganga's water levels as the primary drivers of this disaster. The erosion did not stop at the bridge; the river had already been claiming several plots of agricultural and rural land in the vicinity before the bridge finally gave way.
As the river continues to flow through the region, the local community remains on high alert regarding further land loss and the potential for additional structural damage to nearby infrastructure.