The only hanging bridge, approximately 320 feet, which provided connectivity to 21 villages under Kughoboto block is on the verge of “collapse”.
Constructed in 2001 over Chathe river, the bridge is likely to collapse anytime due to soil erosion, Henivi Village Council (HVC) chairman Phughoi Awomi told Nagaland Post. Villagers have been demanding immediate replacement of the bridge with RCC bridge.
The bridge is also considered the lifeline of Henivi village and adjoining villages under Kughoboto block. More than 300 students also ply through the bridge to reach the other side where their schools are located, HVC said.
HVC has urged upon the state government to take the matter on top priority and demanded construction of RCC bridge. The council also claimed that it had submitted numerous representations to the state government, the latest being in 2011, but no action was initiated, HVC said.
It may be noted that hanging bridge was washed away once by strong river current in 2011. However, with contribution from the council members, the bridge was repaired, HVC said.