Pune: Incomplete Indrayani River Bridge Renovation Leads to Woman Swept Away Near Lonavala

Lonavala, 6th July 2024: The widening and renovation work of the bridge over the Indrayani River between Karla and Malavli near Lonavala in Pune district remains incomplete. Yesterday around 7 AM, a woman from Karla was swept away from the alternative bridge built adjacent to the under-construction bridge. The search for her has been ongoing since morning but she has not yet been found. The woman swept away has been identified as Bhima Pawar, 50 years old, resident of Karla, Maval.

The bridge over the Indrayani River between Karla and Malavli had deteriorated, prompting the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Government of Maharashtra to undertake its demolition and the construction of a larger, wider bridge at the site. Local villagers had urged the PWD to complete the work before the onset of the monsoon. However, due to some neglect, the bridge remains largely unfinished despite the rainy season having commenced.

An alternative temporary bridge through the riverbed was constructed next to the new bridge for public travel. Initially submerged in the first rains, the bridge was partially filled by the PWD. Last week, heavy rains led to water flowing over the bridge, prompting its closure to traffic. Upon receiving information about the woman being swept away, the Shivdurg Mitra Team, Lonavala’s Municipal Council Team, and local citizens initiated a search operation. The presence of water in the riverbed has somewhat hindered the search efforts.