Arunachal: Tali stares at major crisis; lone bridge connecting village washed away

The lone bridge connecting Tali circle at Kra Daadi district in Arunachal Pradesh with the rest of the country has collapsed.

With this breakdown, the Tali assembly constituency has been cut off from the rest of the state as it does not have any alternative road connection.

After the only transportation means to Tali which is now snapped, it is being feared that the area might face acute shortage of food and other essentials while the government has made a move on to prepare for the crisis ahead.

The Kra Daadi district administration is planning to seek assistance of the Indian Air Force to airdrop essentials. When contacted, IAF officials told Northeast Live that they are ready to extend all necessary help to the administration.

The newly constructed bridge was built by the state PWD department at a cost of Rs 14 crores. Load testing was also carried out by the district administration a few months back.

The bridge yet to be officially inaugurated, was however, being used by the commuters to reach other parts of the state.

The Bailey bridge over the Kumey river was the lifeline for 18,000 people inhabited there. The bridge connected Tali to Yangte circle in the same district.

Meanwhile, Kra Daadi district Deputy Commissioner Kurung Kummey has ordered an inquiry into the bridge collapse incident.

The inquiry will be headed by Tali ADC, Biaro Sorum. The inquiry will ascertain as to what led to the collapse of the newly constructed bridge, despite load testing was conducted successfully a few days back.

Northeast Live spoke to Tali MLA Jikke Tako regarding the incident. The MLA informed that Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been apprised of the matter and has assured all possible help including dropping of supplies by the Air Force and immediate construction of a foot suspension bridge.