Suspension Foot Bridge across Simsang River-A glimmer of hope

The Simsang foot-bridge is a convergence initiative between the MGNREGS and the Integrated Basin Development & Livelihood Programme (IBDLP) of the State Government. The Simsang foot-bridge connect two important river basins of the Garo Hills District, namely the Simsang and Daring. The foot-bridge was to connect the villages across Simsang river with Williamnagar town.
The river has a history of flash floods and ris ing water level during the monsoons and destruction of houses and properties situated by th e river-side.

The ambitious project was approved and sanctioned during the financial year 2011- 12. The 1 st phase of ground work started from 1 st week of September 2012 and completed during March 2013. The 2 nd phase started in March 2013 and ended during May 2013.

The Suspension Foot-bridge was estimated for an amount of Rs 1,05,16,000/-(Rupees One Crore Five Lakh Sixteen Thousand Only). The cost borne under MGNREGA was Rs 81,805,33/- in addition to the Rs 3,92,500/- contributed by the community. The contribution of the IBDLP during 2013-14 was Rs 19,42,967/-.
Initially the span of the suspension foot-bridge was 160.0m in length and 1.25m in width. The length was later extended by 15.0m.

The enthusiasm and dedication shown by the 5 VECs to contribute their wages earned under MGNREGA, with an average of 20-30 person-days per household for three consecutive financial years, has led to the completion of the project. The footbridge is a success of the MGNREGS in Convergence with other Stake-holders as it promotes not only the eco-tourism of Simsang river and other parts of Williamnagar but provides a lifeline to people that desperately needed a safe and secure mode of commuting.
This one is a remarkable success story of Convergence in Meghalaya.