The collapse of the old bridge over the Kali river has brought severe hardships to the fishing community in the Kodibag area, including the villages of Alvewada, Gabeethawada, Tariwada, and Nadiwada.
This bridge, a crucial spot for wind fishing—a traditional method practised by these communities for generations—has left hundreds of fishermen in dire straits after its collapse. The debris from the collapsed bridge, coupled with the unstable condition of the remaining structure, has rendered the river inaccessible for fishing.
This situation has created an unprecedented crisis for the fishermen, who now face significant challenges in sustaining their livelihoods. With the river now deemed unsafe for fishing, local authorities, including the Fisheries Department, have issued warnings against venturing near the collapsed bridge.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been notified of the situation and has begun efforts to clear the debris and assess the remaining structure’s integrity. The collapse has not only affected the fishermen’s access to the river but has also forced them to travel long distances to find alternative fishing grounds.
This added travel time and cost is economically unsustainable for many, further deepening the crisis. Additionally, police restrictions on river access have compounded the difficulties for these communities, who are struggling to find viable alternatives. Ad The fishing community is now urging authorities to expedite the debris clearance and restore access to the river to revive their livelihoods.
The incident has underscored the vulnerability of communities dependent on natural resources and highlighted the need for alternative livelihood options during such crises. Beyond the impact on the fishing community, the bridge collapse has also disrupted transportation and trade in the region, exacerbating the economic fallout. Addressing this situation promptly is crucial to minimizing the adverse effects on both the local economy and the livelihoods of those affected.