Сломанный канатный путь в Питхорагархе изолировал семь деревень на 10 дней

Pithoragarh: Nearly 3,000 residents across seven villages in Bangapani tehsil have been cut off for over 10 days following a mechanical snag on the local trolley link over the Mandakini river. Hopes for a quick repair were dashed on Tuesday when heavy rainfall triggered a landslide that damaged the structure’s mooring wall and alignment, leaving the cable trolley stranded mid-air and deepening the isolation of the affected communities. The trolley at Ratgadi is the only link for residents of Gaila, Tomik, Pathrkot, Chulkot, Ringu, Sana and Rapti. The walking track that connects these villages has also been damaged. Residents now have to trek about 4km along a rough path to reach the motor road at Velthi, then travel to Bangapani for daily needs. The nearest market is another 15km away. More than 15 students who used the trolley to reach school now have to walk 4km before taking a bus for another 10km. Ganesh Singh, gram pradhan of Ringu, said the damaged route is especially difficult for the sick, elderly and children. “Villagers had requested the administration to repair the trolley, but no action has been taken,” Singh said. Ajay Thapaliyal, executive engineer of PWD in Didihat, said the department has prepared an estimate for the repairs. “The trolley was repaired last year after a request from the gram sabha, but it stopped working again this year. We hope the funds will be released soon,” he said.