KMDA removes Tolly bridge structures after NGT order

KOLKATA: After an injunction with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) on Friday removed the structures that supported the retaining walls of the newly constructed Karunamoyee canal bridge on Tolly Nullah. The authorities said the temporary structures were needed to be set up to construct the retaining wall of the canal bridge.“The piling work was commissioned on the sides of the bridge purely as a temporary move to construct the retaining wall of the bridge. The retaining wall has also been set up in such a manner that it doesn’t obstruct the flow of canal water” said a KMDA official.The Karunamoyee canal bridge was closed following an NGT order, directing the state chief secretary to take note of the infraction and ensure that such construction is withheld immediately.“KMDA will now submit a report to Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s environment department (KMC is the custodian of Tolly Nullah) so that the issue can be taken up with the chief secretary and NGT and the canal bridge is opened to light vehicles,” a source said.KMDA had set up the bridge over Tolly Nullah at Karunamoyee by spending Rs 7 crore. Constrcution work for the bridge had started in November last year but was delayed. The bridge was finally inaugurated on September 30. But it was closed a day after since the approach road was not wide enough for vehicles to ply smoothly.