As precaution, WRD restricts entry on Quepem canal bridge

Quepem: The water resource department (WRD) at Quepem, has banned the entry of loaded trucks and all four-wheelers on both sides of 100m-long two span aqueduct-cum-footbridge at Sonarbhatt, Quepem.
Concrete poles have been erected to stop the movement of vehicles on the footbridge, which rests on the Selaulim irrigation canal, which passes across the Khushawati river along with the bridge .
This move comes a few days after TOI highlighted the issue of the leaks at three spots on the canal in its edition dated July 22.
Junior engineer Mohan Gaonkar told TOI that the department will initiate strict action against any four-wheelers found travelling on the bridge.
Vehicular movement has increased on the canal route as people use it as a shortcut in a bid to avoid entering Quepem town.
“The Selaulim irrigation canal remains almost full with water throughout the year and travelling on the canal access is dangerous as it has no retaining wall or railing on either side. A few days ago, one rickshaw accidentally fell into the canal. No injuries were reported,” said local activist Andy Fernandes, who first noticed the leaks.