Bihar Suspends 16 Engineers After 10 Bridges Collapse in Two Weeks
05.07.2024: In a significant move, the Bihar state government has suspended 16 engineers from the water resources department following the collapse of 10 bridges within just 15 days. This swift action underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the alarming situation.
Government Response and Accountability
Bihar Development Secretary Chaitanya Prasad emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, “The state government is serious about the matter.” He assured reporters that the contractors responsible for the faulty construction of these bridges would be identified and held accountable.
The Incidents
The latest incident was reported from the Saran district, marking the district’s third bridge collapse within 24 hours. The other affected districts include Siwan, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran, and Kishanganj. These frequent structural failures have raised serious concerns about the quality of infrastructure in the state.
Official Actions
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary revealed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a comprehensive survey of all old bridges across the state. “The Chief Minister instructed officials to identify bridges requiring immediate repairs,” Chaudhary said, highlighting the government’s proactive stance.
Political Reactions
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that 12 bridges have actually collapsed since June 18. He criticized both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for their silence on the issue. “These incidents show how corruption is rampant in every department of the state government,” Yadav stated in a post on X.
In response, Rural Works Department Minister Ashok Choudhary criticized Yadav, pointing out that he held the portfolio for over 15 months during the previous government. “The RJD leader must remember his tenure and take responsibility for this mess,” Choudhary remarked, shifting some of the blame to the previous administration.
Future Measures
To prevent further incidents, the Bihar road construction department has drafted a bridge maintenance policy. Additionally, the rural works department has been instructed to finalize its maintenance plan promptly. This coordinated effort aims to ensure the safety and reliability of the state’s infrastructure.