Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Several doubts have been raised regarding the sustainability of the almost 400-year old Ribandar causeway after cracks and retaining wall damages in recent times.
However, the PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral says, the bridge is still safe & sound and government will take all steps to bring the causeway back to its original shape.
The Ponte de Linhares is a 3.2 km (2.0 mi) long causeway connects Ribandar to the main city of Panjim. It runs along the flood plains of the Mandovi River and is surrounded by various salt pans. There are ducts which act as tide controls.
Built in 1633–34, it is often said to have been the longest in the world at 3.2 km (2.0 miles) when it was completed in 1634.
The original structure of the bridge was built on alluvial soil and stabilised with the trunk of a tree called Benth, locally known as Zambo. Laterite stone was used in the construction of the bridge superstructure.
It was built to handle the load of horse drawn carriages of its time, but has handled the load of heavy motor vehicles since then.
The causeway is supported by three arches on the eastern side, while thirtyeight arches support it on the western side.
On 22 June 1634, the bridge, as well as the surrounding land was handed over to the municipal chamber of the city for its maintenance and upkeep.
In 1980s, since a lot of soil erosion was being seen, planting of Mangrove trees on the southern bank of the river was undertaken by the forest department, to prevent erosion of the bridge. The bridge had been damaged due to continuous tidal motion in 2011 and 2014.
To prevent it from further damage, construction of a protective wall was initiated by the Goa Public Works Department.
In order to prevent further damage, the Public Works Department diverted the movement of heavy vehicles from Panaji to Old Goa. Speed restrictions were also imposed to slow down vehicles.
Over the decades however, the passages under the 40 archways have been blocked due to siltation.
A large mud flat has accreted along the river front and this clay deposit is advancing further into the river. A close look at the base of the walls on either side indicates that the roots of the mangroves are interfering with and have penetrated the base, and consequently the foundations of the causeway.
Goa’s PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral says this is probably one of the reasons why the roadway is becoming weak and appearing to be collapsing or sinking.
“At a particular place, dense mangroves have entirely engulfed the ancient bridge over a stretch of 460 metres. However, in spite of the above observations, there is structurally no much distress noticed on the causeway and it is safe for Light Motor Vehicles and light Commercial Vehicles,” he says.
The segment of the bridge showing distress has been closed as the traffic is diverted on the alternate bridge /culvert constructed by PWD and the traffic is moving safely, he stated.
Although the minister says there is no need to have any fear or anxiety about the safety on the bridge, the fact, he says, is that this bridge needs repairs and the earlier it is done, the better it is.
“I have directed my department to have periodical structural review of the said bridge and if there is a slightest doubt of its structural stability, the bridge shall be further closed for commercial vehicle as well as local buses,” said PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral.
He says the bridge being a heritage bridge, a proper and scientific approach ought to be taken involving renowned experts to decide on the methodology to be adopted in the restoration, so that no trial and error methods are adopted.
“I wish to inform that the Public works Department will do all that is necessary to ensure that the right steps are taken to restore the bridge back to its original glory, of which every Goan will be proud of,” he said.
