Manawar (Madhya Pradesh): People are being forced to travel over the Jeerabad dam after a local bridge collapsed recently, just two years after construction. The bridge had been constructed for Rs 5 cr by Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA), Manawar division.
Despite large warning signs clearly stating that crossing the dam is strictly prohibited, residents from 20 villages in the area are illegally crossing Jeerabad dam to reach Dhar and other areas, as this remains the only way after the collapse of the bridge.
"Thousands of vehicles pass over the dam every day. It's against all safety rules, but we have no choice," said a local villager who makes dangerous crossings regularly.
The dam, not designed for regular traffic, is showing signs of damage. Large potholes have formed in several places due to vehicle vibrations, further endangering the 51-metre-high structure that was built in 1986 at what would now be equivalent to Rs 10,000 crore.
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Safety concerns have multiplied after reports emerged that the Water Resources Department conducted blasting operations near the dam while excavating for a drinking water project in Sardarpur. Such activities violate standard safety regulations for large dams, yet NVDA officials have taken no action.
Residents believe NVDA officials are allowing the dangerous dam crossing to continue to hide evidence of corruption and poor construction that led to the premature bridge collapse.
When questioned about these serious issues, NVDA's sub-divisional officer Alok Choubey repeatedly dodged enquiries and provided incomplete responses.
Security measures at the dam are virtually non-existent. Guard posts at both ends of dam wall are unmanned day and night, and the lighting systems are broken, with damaged wiring creating additional hazards.
