Farmer, 75, builds bridge over rivulet to make way for farm

MANIYARPUR (ADILABAD): Gangaram Kadu, 75, constructed a bridge resembling a "ropeway" using old iron poles, iron sheets, cement poles, and wire to access his farm across a rivulet in Maniyarpur village of Bela mandal, Adilabad district.

The bridge, with silver wires strung across and iron arches on both ends, appears similar to a ropeway. Gangaram, a farmer, purchased the old iron materials for Rs 80,000 and used them to build the bridge.

His farm is located along the Penganga River. He used iron sheets as the bridge’s pathway, with iron pipes and cement pillars serving as structural supports. Damaged silver wire was secured on both sides of the bridge, providing stability for those crossing.

Initially, Gangaram had built a wooden bridge two years ago but later upgraded it with iron poles, sheets, and cement pillars. The iron bridge has since proven highly useful for local farmers accessing their fields on the other side of the rivulet.

Originally, the bridge was intended for Gangaram’s family, but it now serves other villagers. It spans a stream created by Penganga’s backwaters.

Sheik Jafar, a resident of Maniyarpur, noted that the bridge benefits not only Gangaram’s family but also other farmers, with local wildlife like herbivores and wild boars occasionally seen nearby.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Gangaram shared that the bridge has made crossing the stream much easier for everyone, including elderly villagers and children. His two sons assisted him in setting up the bridge, enabling easy access to their farm even at night.