In an unprecedented spate of infrastructure failures, Bihar has witnessed the collapse of 10 bridges within a mere 15 days, sparking concerns over the state’s construction standards and maintenance practices. Officials are now suggesting that overzealous desilting activities conducted in preparation for the monsoon may be to blame for the structural failures.
According to reports by NDTV, contracts were awarded for the dredging and desilting of river stretches across Bihar as part of monsoon preparedness. However, officials have pointed out that these activities were carried out in an unscientific manner, inadvertently weakening the foundations of several bridges. Mud and silt removal around bridge pillars during desilting operations left them inadequately supported, while dredging efforts aimed at increasing water flow may have eroded embankments crucial to bridge stability.
Chaitanya Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department, acknowledged the lapses, stating, “The accident happened due to removal of soil. We will take action. The government is coming up with a comprehensive policy on the maintenance of bridges.”
The collapse of these bridges, located in Siwan, Saran, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran, and Kishanganj districts, has raised significant criticism from opposition leaders. Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, criticized both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for their silence on the incidents, alleging widespread corruption within the state government.
Dr. Nikhil Anand, a BJP leader and national general secretary, voiced his apprehension about the safety of Bihar’s bridges, calling for a thorough investigation and audit of construction practices. “I am afraid of crossing through any flyover or bridge in Bihar,” he stated, emphasizing the need to hold construction companies and engineers accountable.
Responding to the escalating concerns, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary announced that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a comprehensive survey of all old bridges in the state, along with an investigation into the recent collapses.
Sources By Agencies
