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The delay in demolishing the deteriorated old iron bridge in Manakudy, which was constructed as a temporary facility after the 2004 tsunami, is currently posing a threat to both fishermen and hundreds of fibre boats docked along the shore. The devastating Indian ocean tsunami, which occurred in the year 2004 had brought dreadful destruction and inflicted fatal damage to the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, along with other parts of the world. The bridge connecting Keela Manakudy and Mela Manakudy was washed away, when giant waves hit the area. Following the dreadful incident, to connect both the villages, an iron bridge was constructed, as a temporary facility. Later, a permanent concrete bridge was inaugurated in 2013 and named after Lourdammal Simon in 2020. In the meantime, following the inauguration of a permanent structure in the area, the movement on the temporary facility was completely suspended, which gradually began to deteriorate due to weather conditions. However the condition of the iron bridge worsened over a period of time, prompting the fishermen to call out for its immediate demolition. Remguies, a fisherman from Mela Manakudy, said that over 350 boats are docked along the shore near the old bridge. He added that villagers have submitted multiple petitions in the past two years, but no concrete actions have been taken so far. “A few months ago, we directly met higher authorities of the state’s fisheries department and submitted a petition regarding the issue, which still awaits an action,” he added. Lawrence, another fisherman from Keela Manakkudi also echoed the similar concerns as Remguies. “Fishermen have to pass under the bridge every time, before they venture into the sea or come back to the jetty. If any untoward incidents, for instance if a part falls on fishermen, who will be responsible,” he questioned. Hundreds of boats are also docked at the area, near to the dilapidated bridge, if damaged parts of the bridge falls on the fibre boats, the fishermen themselves have to spend a huge grant on repairing that, Mr. Lawrence noted. Fr. Churchill of South Asian Fishermen Fraternity said, “The government must take sensible action, reading the issue, as the damaged structure is posing threat to lives of hundreds of fishermen and their livelihood.” Speaking on this, an official from the state highways department told The Hindu that the proposal worth around ₹11 lakh has been approved, a tender will be floated and the damaged structure will be cleared shortly.
