Delayed construction of Kalanadi bridge at Bamunjuli resented

The delay in the construction of an RCC bridge over Kalanodi at Bamunjuli in Bhergaon Sub-division of Udalguri district been a serious concern of several villages namely- Kalikhola, Bamunjuli, Orangajuli, Nonoikhuti, Samrang etc, for several years.Situated 25 kms away from Tangla, construction work of the new RCC bridge over Kalanodi near Bamunjuli has been very slow, as alleged by the people of the locality. Being one of the most important PWD road,this Bamunjuli- Tangla PWD road,connecting Tangla, Kalaigaon, Paneri,Khoirabari, Dimakuchi and Bhergaon had been closed for nearly 15 years,causing untold misery to people. The old bridge over Kalanodi at Bamunjuli had been constructed by the British more than a century ago. It needs mention that the old steel bridge has been the second existing British made steel bridge in Both Udalguri and Darrang districts. The second one is still seen near Bhutiachang over Nonoi river. According to information received ,the construction work of the PWD road and the RCC bridge over the Kalanodi river near Bamunjuli was alloted to Rajsekhar Construction, Athgaon, Guwahati (estimated value Rs. 33 crore) four years back. But the said construction company had given sub contract of the construction work to another local contractor causing unnecessary delay. Only small portion of the works have been completed so far in long four years time.The media team members,who had visited the spot on July 21 saw just the beginning of construction work of three RCC pillars. The PWD department had done their job by just placing “Road Closed” sign boards on either side of the old steel bridge. But vehicular traffic has been continuing even at their own risk. This has posed big risks to commuters and passengers at any time. People of the locality urged BTC administration and Assam government to take steps so as to complete the work within this year.

Uprooting of tree at Paneri PS exposes 18th century cannon

Uprooting of tree at Paneri PS exposes 18th century cannon

The sudden uprooting of a hundred-year-old tree at the premises of Paneri police station in Udalguri district in Assam (India)has exposed the remains of a cannon believed to be of the 18th century.

The large tree at the premises of Paneri police station uprooted on July 12 at 7.37 am without any storm or rain. According to Thaneskwar Chutia, OC of Paneri police station, the diameter of the mouth of the cannon is eight inches and the length of the exposed portion is three feet. He felt another three feet might have remained underground.

People of the neighbouring areas have started pouring into Paneri to have a look at the object. It needs mention that Paneri police station was established in the 19th century during British rule and has been one of the oldest police stations in Assam.

The tragic part of the incident was the death of more than 200 bats which had been taking shelter in the tree. The uprooting of the tree has also rendered more than a 1000 bats homeless.

In the meantime, wildlife lovers have expressed sorrow at the death of so many bats of rare species. They lauded police and veterinary personal of Paneri for immediate arrangement of treatment to the injured bats. DN Hazarka, Circle Officer of Harisinga Revenue Circle (Tangla) visited the spot on July 13 for taking necessary action in the matter. He said to this correspondent that the matter had already been reported to the DC and SP of Udalguri district. People of Paneri, Tangla and Kalaigaon have urged the State Archaeology department to visit the site for investigation.