Bhubaneswar, 09 July (H.S.): In a bid to enhance public safety during the monsoon season, the Odisha Government's Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department has directed all District Collectors and Chief Development Officers-cum-Executive Officers (CDO-cum-EOs) of Zilla Parishads to urgently identify structurally unsafe bridges and culverts and submit proposals for their repair and maintenance on a priority basis.
In an official communication, the department said the initiative is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted rural road connectivity while preventing accidents caused by weakened or damaged infrastructure during the ongoing monsoon.
The department has instructed district authorities to conduct detailed field inspections and technical assessments before preparing proposals. Officials have been asked to ensure that the recommendations accurately reflect the actual condition of the structures and the on-ground requirements.
According to the directive, top priority should be accorded to bridges and culverts that are structurally distressed, severely deteriorated, unsafe for public use, or serve as critical links for essential public infrastructure and services.
The state government has emphasized that timely identification and repair of vulnerable structures are essential to safeguard commuters and maintain seamless transportation across rural Odisha during the rainy season.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
