The Hindu                23.05.2013

Work on laying approach roads for two bridges in Salem yet to begin

Project delayed for many years owing to land acquisition.

Work to lay approach roads for Ananda Bridge and Gundu Podum Bridge is yet to begin as the demolition of buildings in the ‘land acquired’ area is to be carried out only next week.

Corporation officials said that they have received the order for settling compensation of Rs. 1.97 crore to a private building on second Agraharam Street after a committee inspected it and approved the compensation.

They said that a total of Rs. 4.16 crore was paid as compensation for land acquisition near both these bridges and buildings were marked for demolition.

They added that compensation has to be settled for two people and it would be completed soon.

The bridges are constructed as part of Thirumanimutharu River Improvement Project and were delayed for many years due to land acquisition. After obtaining clearance from various departments, the government allotted funds for land acquisition and the ‘boomi puja’ was performed on April 29.

But no work has begun yet though officials promised to complete the work in six months.

“Once demolition work is completed, the height of approach roads would be marked and work would begin,” added the officials.

They also added that traffic would be diverted during the work period or only two-wheelers may be allowed to use the bridge.