Dudhey Bridge collapse draws local residents’ fury

PRASHANT ACHARYA

DUDHEY,: Residents of Dudhey in Mirik subdivision expressed anguish over the delayed construction of the collapsed iron bridge, criticizing political leaders for mere political theatrics without concrete action.

On Monday, Dudhey residents openly criticized Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive Anit Thapa for his handling of the bridge situation and the alternative connectivity plans. They also expressed disappointment that Darjeeling MP Raju Bista visited but failed to initiate any tangible progress toward rebuilding the bridge.

Local resident Hiraj Syngbo said, “We support Anit Thapa’s party, but this time we are deeply disappointed. The GTA chief has not visited Dudhey even once, nor has he instructed anyone to address our problems. Two houses have collapsed, and many others are on the verge of collapse. People are currently sheltering in the community hall, yet no one from his office has come here.”

The Dudhey iron bridge, which connected the plains near Siliguri with the Mirik subdivision over the Balason River, collapsed on the morning of October 5 following heavy monsoon rains and landslides. Its destruction has severely disrupted traffic and accessibility in the region.

Sudarshan Subba, youth leader of the Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front, said, “Dudhey has always been neglected in terms of development by the GTA. The people here have not received justice or adequate facilities from either the State or central government.”

Subba added that the area has become a mere backdrop for political photo sessions involving MPs and MLAs, with no concrete solutions presented to address local problems.

The recent collapse of the crucial bridge linking Mirik to Siliguri has sparked widespread public outrage. On Monday, West Bengal Governor C.V. Anand Bose and Darjeeling Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Singla visited Dudhey, while MP Raju Bista and Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb had visited on Sunday and engaged with local leaders.

Anup Gadal, youth wing leader of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha, resigned from his post on Monday, citing dissatisfaction with the GTA’s response to Dudhey residents’ concerns.

Meanwhile, Darjeeling District Magistrate Preeti Goyal, who visited the site, stated that constructing a Bailey bridge is not feasible due to the strong current and force of water, which could cause it to sink. She suggested that a subway could be built up to the low water level, and an alternative bridge, similar to the one constructed over the Balason River in Matigara, could serve as a temporary solution.