This story is from May 20, 2015

Residents oppose Pal-Umra Bridge

Residents of Umra gam on Tuesday marched to the office of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) opposing the construction of Pal-Umra Bridge over Tapi River.
Residents oppose Pal-Umra Bridge
SURAT: Residents of Umra gam on Tuesday marched to the office of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) opposing the construction of Pal-Umra Bridge over Tapi River. They have demanded that the location of the proposed bridge be shifted as the present plan required demolition of 21 houses and acquisition of four open plots.
The people also handed over a memorandum to municipal commissioner Milind Torwane.
They have disagreed with the findings of the social economic impact assessment done by the SMC for the bridge. The people have also threatened to once again approach the High Court opposing the site of the bridge.
"After considering all alternatives we have come to conclusion the location of the bridge was appropriate. Adequate compensation would be paid to owners who would be losing their homes and land. As per the directive of the high court I have also visited the site," Torwane said.
Himanshu Umrigar, whose 150-year-old house is likely to be demolished due to the construction of the bridge, told TOI, "All we are saying is to shift the site on Umra side so that no existing properties are demolished. We have even shown them the site. But, they don't want to listen. We do not agree with the social and economic impact assessment. We will have to go back to court to save our homes."
However, the SMC officials disagreed with the arguments made by Umra gam citizens. "The alternative that they are suggesting is too long. At present, this is just 800 meter bridge, the alternative suggested would make the bridge 1,100-1,200 meters long and would have acute turn," said R V Gamit, executive engineer, SMC.
In 2012, SMC had decided to construct a bridge over Tapi River joining Pal on one side with Umra gam on the other side under its ongoing Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) programme. The bridge would begin from near RTO office in Pal on one side and would end at Umra village near SVNIT junction the beginning of Gaurav Path.
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