Pathanamthitta: The foundations of the Banglamkadavu bridge in Pathanamthitta are becoming increasingly exposed after each rainy season, raising concerns about the structure’s stability. The bridge, which connects Banglamkadavu and Vadasserikkara across the Pamba River in Vadasserikkara panchayat, comprises seven pillars- four in the river and three with abutments on the banks.

Among the river pillars, the foundations of three are clearly visible, indicating possible weakening. All the pillars have been constructed using well-shaped piling, but the foundation of the pillar near Mukkam Road is the most prominently exposed, rising nearly four feet above the water level. Two other river pillars are in a similar condition, further highlighting potential structural vulnerabilities.

Residents of the area said that unrestricted mining of sand had exposed the foundations of the pillars, which was built only around two decades ago. The level of the sand bed at the river bottom also fell over the years, which also led to the foundation becoming visible, they said.

Similarly, the sandbars which could earlier be seen on the banks of the river near the bridge have now been replaced by rocky outcrops. "All the sand at the spot was carried downstream during the great flood of 2018 and in the other smaller floods," said a local man.

The Kallar rivulet merges with the Pamba River near the bridge. Floodwaters are sweeping away all the sand deposited at Bangamkadavu by the Kallar river. Residents said that the authorities should inspect the strength of the bridge when the water level in the river falls.