Sambalpur, Jan.17: A group of people today demonstrated outside the office of the revenue divisional commissioner (north) here and opposed the relocation of a proposed bridge over the Mahanadi in the city.

The protesters, who are residents of Baijamunda, A. Katapali, Chaunurpur and Kalamati gram panchayats, have come together as Bruhattara Sambalpur Mahanagar Nigam Committee.

“There was a proposal to construct a bridge over the Mahandi between Badbazar on the Ring Road and Mundoghat village on the other side of the river. Soil testing for building the bridge had also been completed. And subsequently, a tender was also floated,” said Narayana Pati, a protester.

“Now we get to know that the proposed bridge is being relocated. The Sambalpur collector has recommended the shifting of the bridge. According to the new proposal, the bridge will now connect Nelson Mandela Chhak of Sambalpur and Chaunurpur on the other side. We oppose this move,” said Pati.

The agitators also said that a larger number of people would benefit if the bridge was constructed between Badbazar and Mundoghat.

“There is no reason to relocate the bridge,” said Sanjaya Naik, another demonstrator.

The agitators also submitted a memorandum to the chief minister through the revenue divisional commissioner opposing the shifting proposal of the bridge.

District collector Balwant Singh admitted that there was a proposal for the bridge between Badbazar and Mundoghat. “However, after study and consultation, we have recommended relocating the bridge. The proposal recommends the bridge between Nelson Mandela Chhak of the city and Chaunurpur across the Mahanadi. It will be better place for the larger interest of the people. However, the government will take a final call in this regard,” said Singh.