http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1780456954&size=l Talking Photos: Pl. Save Old Borim Bridge (Bore Pul) see abandoned old bridge in 3 parts http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1774464970&size=l Build by Portuguese (Dont know which year, can any one throw some light? Wrote to many people including Xaviers history Dept, a video clip kept pending for want of this info) Then it was blown off by Portuguese army during 1961 war. Reconstructed (damaged portion only) by Richardson & Guruddas Co., Bombay. Recommissined at the hands of then Finance Minister (Govt. of India) Mr. Moraji Desa in 1963. Thenafter, there were several damages to it including hitting by barges etc. -The bridge was the only link to north-south Goa. -Perhaps, the only major bridge in Goa. - Due to the war time/barge hit damages etc, some weight restriction were imposed. -All passengers were told to alight and only empty bus was allowed to cross the bridge. -All passengers including children were made to cross the bridge on foot and catch the bus at the other end. -As a child, while walking on the bridge JoeGoaUk used to tremble* when he sees the water deep down through the crevices/gaps or large holes in the wooden floor of the bridge. -We only made use of the bridge once a year thats during Old Goa Novenas. - The bridge was in the news several times making headlines. -There were several deaths reported at the bridge particularly of those workers who worked there. -There was strong rumour at the time that the Bore Pul required human blood to keep it going. -As kids, we had the fear in us that Ghantti come with the sack and takes children away for the Bore Pul. Perhaps, we got it from our parents or elders etc -The bridge was operative, I think, until 1986 when CM Rane inaugurated the new bridge on 27th Aug. 1986. see new bridge pic here http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1780708710&size=l *JoeGoaUk has this phobia (Acrophobia)- fear of heights. During his pre-school time, his class was located in a room next to the sacristy (church). In his class room, there was a small staircase for the priest to go up in the pulpit to give sermon. It is only about 6-7 steps but his legs were trembling when he looked down. However, when he climbs up any coconut trees for addsoram he never looks down. Any cure for this phobia? Did you know? In May 1998, in absence of any sign board or a barricade on the old Borim bridge, two youth riding on their motor bike rode straight into the bridge and plunged into the river? One survived (rescued by the local fisherfolks), one died. Both of then were Biharis and were heading for Quepem. Police then registered a case against PWD for their negligence. Why this bridge need to be saved or protected & how? -Its a part of our heritage/history. -We can show our children/grandchildren - Future generations - Beautiful view from the bridge- Greenery, scenery , hills, valley, river etc etc See abv pic or watch the slide-show below http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukbridges/show/ - the bridge can be reconstructed, the missing/damaged portion etc and as foot bridge - Throw open to public and make it a tourists attraction. -Let the locals make some business by outting up some stalls etc. -Let all tourist buses make a stop there, with a guide who will give a breif history of the bridge. http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1779776590&size=l if u can't see pic abv pl clik on abv link If we can save The Massano de Amorim school building' (near Cine National) which was built around 1940 why not this bridge? Supporters of the above building say So many children have passed their primary education through the Massano de Amorim Escola since the 1940s till date. Thus the heritage school is part of our personal heritage JoeGoaUk Says: So many people (almost entire south Goa) passed through the old Borim bridge on foot until 1986. Thus the bridge is part of our heritage too. Let's not wait till some private parties take it over or buys the nearby land etc There will be a short video clip which will be coming soon. In the mean time try watching this slide show http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukbridges/show/ Some Home Work: -When was the old Borim bridge built? - If you agree that the bridge needs to be protected, tell us in your own words -why and how ? - Do you have any other memories of the old Borim Bridge?
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