THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A scenic bridge connecting some amazing destinations would be part of the capital district’s tourist attractions in the near future. The Kumbichalkadavu bridge across the Karippayar in the Amboori grama panchayat would help create a new tourism circuit connecting the Neyyar Dam with a host of destinations like the Ponmudi hill station, Meenmutty waterfall and a couple of destinations in Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari.
The decades-old dream of the residents of Amboori took wings after Parassala MLA CK Hareendran submitted a proposal to the government and Rs 15 crore earmarked in the 2015-16 budget. The 226 metre-long and 253.4 wide bridge will have footpaths on either side, offering a magnificent sight of the surroundings. The structure will be 12.5 m up from the ground level to facilitate the movement of tourist boats from Neyyar Dam.
About 2,000 residents of the tribal hamlets at Karikkuzhi, Chakkappara, Sankumkonam, Kaipanplavila, Thodumala, Thenmala and Kunnathumala are among the beneficiaries. According to Hareendran, several safety clearances were necessary for the bridge as it was a high-sensitive area. “As the bridge is over the Neyyar Dam reservoir, we had to get clearances from the Dam Safety Authority and the Irrigation Department. Now we are awaiting a clearance by the Forests and Wildlife Department,” he said.
Hareendran said tenders would be floated soon. He expects the bridge to be a reality in 2021. “The construction would be a challenge considering the location’s peculiarities. Favourable weather and water-level would be crucial,” he said. The bridge is proposed in seven spans. A 287-m-long approach road will also be built from the Poochamukku to Bounder Junction.