Firhad Hakim inspects 'health' of six bridges

Kolkata: State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Firhad Hakim on Thursday took stock of a number of bridges in the city and announced a WhatsApp number through which people can inform him directly if they find any bridge developing cracks or similar problems.

"It is impossible for me alone to take stock of every single bridge in the city. But if people inform me through the number 9830037493 along with pictures, action can be taken on a priority basis," Hakim said.

The minister was accompanied by state Principal Secretary of UD&MA Subrata Gupta, KMDA CEO Sanjay Bansal and members of the advisory committee formed by the government after the cave-in of the Majerhat bridge.

The minister started from Kalighat Bridge where he took a boat ride along the Adi Ganga to inspect the condition underneath the bridge.

"The plaster at some places has worn out and trees have also grown at some areas. Experts have said that as the water of the Adi Ganga is polluted, the water vapour that emits from it is acidic in nature. This is causing harm to the bridge. Repair work will be taken up in three days and we hope to complete the work by 15 days," the minister said.

He then went to Bijon Setu that connects Kasba with Gariahat.

"The structural condition of this bridge apparently seems to be okay. The bearing in some places has been damaged. The process of removing the trees that have grown here and there has already started. We will examine the structure of the bridge to have a more comprehensive idea of its health and the repair work will be taken up after tendering process," he added.

The third destination was the Dhakuria Bridge where rodents feasting on the earth underneath the bridge has time and again weakened its structure.

"The expansion joints of this bridge have been changed three months back and cement has been discharged through pipes to make the structure stronger and free from rats. However, we will again examine it to ensure that everything is in place," the minister maintained.

After this, he visited the Baghajatin Bridge where he found that construction of Garia — Airport Metro project has damaged a girder of the bridge.

He said the matter will be taken up with the Metro authorities.

The minister then visited Ambedkar Bridge near Science City and informed of damage of a similar nature as the Kalighat Bridge.

The last destination was Howrah Bridge where the minister said a survey will be carried out for assessment of its condition.