Parshuram Kund Bridge to herald new economic era in Arunachal

Itanagar, Jun 7 (UNI) The multi-crore Brahma Kund Bridge over Lohit River at Wakro in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh near holy Parshuram Kund is all set to be dedicated to the nation on June 13 by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during his two-day maiden visit to the state.

The bridge constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would herald a new economic era in Arunachal Pradesh by inter-connecting four districts namely Lohit, Anjaw, Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley, according to Lohit district deputy commissioner P S Lokhande.

''The bridge would facilitate more tourist flow to Parshuram Kund, one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the world. Many tour operators have already shown their interests in operating in this area'', the DC informed.

The greatest benefit would be evacuating the patients, the DC said and added that earlier crossing the river on ferry was not possible at night and in heavy rains leading to suffering for the serious patients.

The overall transportation cost as well as cost of holding inventory is also expected to be reduced significantly as now the heavy vehicles can ply throughout the year as against only three months before the opening of the bridge, the DC informed. ''This would also reduce the cost of essential commodities and the benefit will go to the citizens,'' he added.

To reach Tezu, the district headquarters of Lohit district and to proceed to Anjaw district earlier, one had to cross numerous rivers and streams on ferry such as Berreng, Kamlang besides many channels of Digaru and Lohit rivers.

''It was a torturous journey involving a great amount of risk also as the river flows are very turbulent here'', Mr. Lokhande commented and added that there have been many accidents in the past.

From February to November, no heavy vehicles could cross due to tremendous water current and hence the goods transport was based on trans-shipments, which used to involve great cost and damages. Even this system used to fail during heavy rains as rivers became turbulent, he added.

UNI UPB TJP SS1238