Rayagada: After the deaths of over 25 tourists in five years, the Rayagada district administration closed the hanging bridge over the river Nagavali for tourists and visitors for an indefinite period.
Reportedly, eight panchayats of Rayagada block were isolated from the outside world during rainy days due to flooding of the Nagavali river. Although there were many demands for the construction of a bridge, it was not possible due to the depth and rocky surface of the river.
As an alternative, the administration decided to construct the hanging bridge. The construction started in November 2011 at a cost of around Rs 1.5 crore. The work was completed in March 2012. The 151-meter-long suspension bridge built over 100 feet is made of steel wire. Which is now in a dangerous condition due to lack of maintenance.
In the meantime, over six bridges have been built over the Nagavali river to connect the panchayats. While there is no need for the hanging bridge for public transportation, it became an attraction for the people only in terms of tourism infrastructure.
The hanging bridge is three kilometres away from the temple of Maa Majhighariani, the presiding deity of Rayagada. Devotees from outside states and districts visiting the temple visit the area and wander around the hanging bridge and the river.
Many tourists who carelessly go down the river are swept away and die. In 2017, six tourists drowned in the river when they came for sightseeing at the hanging bridge. Eight died in 2018, six in 2019, one in 2020, two in 2021, and two more in 2022.
Many organizations in Rayagada raised the demand for the closure of the hanging bridge. Taking this into consideration, the district administration has sealed both sides of the road. A board stating that the administration has imposed a ban on tourist travel has also been put up.
