Safety Measures Ordered at Chinchinada Bridge After Spate Of Suicides
Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu held a review meeting in Palakollu with National Highway, R&B, Headworks, and Irrigation officials to discuss protective measures at Chinchinada Bridge, after the recent spate of suicides.
West Godavari: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Water Resources Nimmala Ramanaidu held a review meeting in Palakollu with National Highway, R&B, Headworks, and Irrigation officials on Wednesday to discuss protective measures at Chinchinada Bridge, after the recent spate of suicides which took place.
He inspected the bridge and directed officials to implement comprehensive safety measures along the 2.4-km stretch on both sides, including a 6-foot-high fence over the existing 3-foot railing designed to prevent jumping while still allowing an unobstructed view of the Godavari River.
He also instructed that estimates for the fencing work be prepared immediately and spoke to the National Highway Authority Regional Manager M R.K. Singh to expedite fund approval and start construction without delay.
Additionally, the Minister ordered installation of 116 lights at nine-meter heights on both sides of the bridge to improve lighting and nighttime security to prevent thefts.
It may be recalled that in the month of August, a couple, Dodda Venkata Dhana Saikrishna (31) and his wife Sirisha (27), jumped into the river, leaving their young son alone on the bridge next to their scooter due to severe debt.
The vital bridge is also known as the Dindi Bridge, crossing the Vasista Godavari River; it connects Chinchinada in Konaseema district with Dindi in West Godavari district.
In September, a family of four Namburi Srinivasa Rao (45), his wife Padmini (42), and their two teenage children jumped from the bridge into the water. A suicide note cited a massive financial crisis and mounting business debts. On Thursday, a young man named Deva Vikas from Dindi village jumped from the bridge. Reports noted he was struggling with mental health issues shortly after his wedding, prompting urgent safety measures from the state government.
The Minister noted that debts, financial difficulties, and personal hardships are temporary, that life is invaluable, and that suicide is never a solution, while encouraging people to face problems with courage. The meeting was attended by several officials, including Mamidisetti Peddiraju, Rudraraju Satyanarayana Raju, NH Executive Engineer Venkataramana, and other officials.
