- Tanu Bulo, NET correspondent, AP
Showing exemplary strength, resourcefulness, craftsmanship, and teamwork, the local populace of Siang, within weeks of the famous Sangam Bridge being washed away, have built a suspension bridge using available resources such as Bamboo, wood, wire, etc. The entire effort was completed without using any heavy machinery only using wits and innovation.
Tragedy struck Pangin and Boleng as Sangam bridge, acting as their lifeline was snapped by the raging Siyom. However, nothing could stop these local folks who were disconnected from the rest of the world since the Ill-fated day of 29th June when the original bailey bridge ‘Sangam’ built over the Siyom river collapsed in the raging currents.
Locally called E’am, the newly built bamboo bridge is strong enough to accommodate commuters as well as 2 wheelers. Until a new bailey bridge comes up which will take around 3-4 months, The E’am will serve the purposes of local commute.
The original Sangam bridge had collapsed on 29th June when a vehicle overloaded with boulders was crossing it. The vehicle fell into the turbulent river with the three onboard. The search operation was conducted by NDRF and SDRF personnel failed to retrieve the bodies of the drowned, later 1 dead body resurfacing in the banks of the Siyom.