Thu Dec 05 15:46:20 UTC 2024: ## Newly Built Bridge Collapses in Tiruvannamalai, Leaving Residents Stranded
**TIRUVANNAMALAI, December 5, 2024** – A newly inaugurated bridge across the Then Pennai river in Tiruvannamalai district collapsed just days ago, forcing residents of Thondamanur village back to traversing a 20km trek for essential services. The ₹15.90 crore bridge, built under a NABARD scheme and inaugurated on September 2nd by Public Works Minister E.V. Velu, was designed to withstand a discharge of 54,417 cusecs but failed after the release of over two lakh cusecs of water from the Sathanur dam.
The 250-meter-long bridge, connecting Thondamanur to Agaram Pallipattu, was overwhelmed by a four-meter high surge of water, leading to its collapse. Thondamanur panchayat president D. Pulivendan lamented the return to difficult travel conditions, impacting access to schools, health centers, banks, and other essential services for the village’s 4,500 residents, mostly farmers.
Before the bridge’s construction, residents faced arduous journeys, especially challenging for sick and pregnant women. The bridge had significantly improved access and facilitated the regular visits of a Village Health Nurse and timely ambulance services. However, with the bridge’s collapse, these improvements have been lost. State Highways officials stated that repairs will take weeks due to the continued high water flow in the river. Barricades have been erected to prevent access to the damaged structure.
First Piper 