The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) will repair the Indreni Bridge, a popular walkway for tourists and residents at the Sumendu Lake in hill town Mirik, some 50km from here.
The bridge, an 80-foot-long arch, was built over the lake in 1976 and named after Indreni Thapa, a martyr in the Indian National Army of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
As the structure is 46 years old, it needs repairs. In August this year, a part of its concrete plank had fallen into the lake, creating a crater. Soon after, a horse had fallen through the crater, prompting residents to cover it with bamboo sticks.
“Hundreds of tourists visit the hill town which is unique because of the lake. They take strolls and horse rides on the bridge that connects the two ends of the lake. The bridge must be repaired,” said a resident.
Milesh Rai, an executive member (public health engineering and agriculture department) of the GTA who got elected from the area, said they decided to start repairs.
“The engineering cell of the GTA will carry out repairs. We have prepared a detailed project report and work will begin soon,” said Rai.
Rai, who inspected the bridge on Sunday, said GTA chief executive Anit Thapa , came to know about the bridge’s condition during his recent visit to Mirik. “He immediately asked officers to examine the structure and take steps for repairs. Once the festivities are over and offices reopen, work will start,” said a GTA source.
Tourism stakeholders welcomed the decision.
“The bridge is one of the main attractions of the lake. We must ensure everyone is safe on the bridge. It is good that the GTA has made the decision,” said Debasish Maitra, president, Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators’ Association.
