Under construction wall of Marchak bridge collapses, imperils two homes

MANGAN, 12 Sept: The under construction wall of the newly constructed bridge located at Marchak in Lower Tintek, East Sikkim along the Dikchu-Singtam highway collapsed today. This has now endangered two houses situated just below the bridge.
Following the incident, BDO Tintek, Pema Wangchen Bhutia along with ward panchayat, Tika Devi Nepal visited the spot and took stock of damages. The BDO also visited the two houses belonging to Padam Prasad Koirala and Narendra Koirala where he gave instructions for the families to be temporarily shifted to a safer location.
The BDO also directed the school going children and the villagers to refrain from using the footpath until the damaged wall is restored.
Meanwhile, the wife of Padam Prasad Koirala informed that her husband and the father of the other house are both out of town so shifting would be very difficult. “I have three small children and some livestock. Where do I shift my children and all our belongings?” she challenged.
The villagers are dismayed over what they see as poor quality work by BRO which is creating problems for the local residents. The BDO further informed that he will be submitting the report to the DC on Friday and necessary steps will be taken after that.