Residents of Samdrup Jongkhar are worried if the suspension bridge over Dungsamchu can hold longer given the continuous torrential downpours this summer. The river has already damaged the base of the retaining wall and has eroded the river banks which hold the bridge.
The bridge is used by hundreds of parents and students of Samdrup Jongkhar Lower Secondary School (SJLSS) every day. There are over 500 students studying in SJLSS. The students were sent back home yesterday fearing the bridge might not hold after the river broke its bank and flooded the town.
The school’s principal, Sonam Tshering, said the parents have no choice but to escort their children to school every day at this time of the year. “It’s very important that we come up with some measures immediately. For future, I think we should have a bridge where even a vehicle can ply across and heavy rain should not be a concern,” he said.
The Thromde office said as immediate measure, the eroded part of the river banks will be filled with boulders.
The Dungsamchu has already caused some damages to the properties in Samdrup Jongkhar.
