Sandul River Bridge Collapse in Kalahandi Cuts Off 420 Families Amid Heavy Rainfall

Kalahandi,  – October 4: A temporary bridge over the Sandul River collapsed last night following torrential rainfall of 110.4 mm, severing access to eight villages in Lanjigarh block.

The incident occurred near Khajuriguda village, leaving approximately 420 families from Bijepur, Malijubang, and Pahadpadar panchayats completely isolated.

The affected villages—Sekhojhula, Panpadar, Durlabundel, Sakeskundru, Jira, Punjam, Tainpadar, and Khajuriguda—now face a humanitarian crisis.

With roads washed away, residents are unable to reach schools, health centres, or emergency services. Transporting critical patients has become impossible.

The Sandul River bridge project, sanctioned in 2023 after years of local appeals, saw minimal progress.

A Bhawanipatna-based contractor managed to erect only three partial pillars before the project was abruptly halted in April. Locals blame poor execution and administrative apathy for the delay.

No political leaders or officials have visited the affected areas since the collapse.

Frustrated residents are demanding immediate intervention from the Kalahandi District Collector, urging authorities to resume construction and provide emergency relief.

The collapse has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for accountability and swift action to restore connectivity and prevent further isolation.