Section of Thong Nambonbi cracks up, closed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 16 2019: The historic Thong Nambonbi or the Hump Bridge of Khwairamband Bazar has partially developed cracks subsequent upon which the bridge has been closed to all kinds of traffic including pedestrian.

Thong Nambonbi was built by British engineers in 1854 during the reign of king Chandrakirti at the confluence of Nambul river and Naga rivulet.

A large circular section of the bridge's deck caved in on the western end rendering the particular section totally hollow.

Solid materials which made up the hollowed section had been swept away by water current and it is possible that the adjoining sections too would collapse or cave in.

Section of Thong Nambonbi cracks up, closed

After inspection by PWD engineers, the authority concerned has closed the bridge to all traffic including pedestrians as the engineers pointed out that the damaged bridge poses risks to pedestrians as well.

One engineering expert told The Sangai Express that Thong Nambonbi was constructed using lime powder and molasses without using cement and it does not have any iron or steel frame.

Old age is the most plausible reason for the caving in of a section of the bridge, he opined.

Notably, the State Govt notified Thong Nambonbi as a protected structure in 1992 under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archeological Sites & Remains Act 1976.However, vendors and hawkers of all sorts of merchandise were occupying the bridge for the last two decades or so after it was already declared a protected structure/site.

A few years, the State Government mooted about replacing the bridge with a new one but many raised strong objection, sources informed.

There are now three bridges adjacent to Thong Nambonbi; one over Nambul over, one over Naga rivulet and another one under BT Flyover.

All the three bridges were constructed using RCC and steel rods.

Meanwhile, pointing out that Thong Nambonbi located is a protected monument under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976, the Director of Art and culture has urged the SP of Traffic, Imphal, to vacate the unauthorised parking as well as vendors from the bridge at the earliest.

The Director has also urged the Executive Engineer, Flood Division II, Water Resources Manipur, to clean up all the garbage and vegetation from Nambul river around and under the said bridge while taking great care as the bridge has developed cracks.

The Director further urged the Executive Engineer of PWD, Bridge Division Manipur, to depute experts for providing preventive and curative measures to the said bridge at the earliest as well.