Marking the tenth incident in less than two weeks, Bihar faces an increasingly dire situation with another bridge collapse in the Saran district. In fractions of seconds, a fifteen-year-old bridge connecting various villages across the Gandaki River collapsed in Bihar highlighting major negligence. Although no casualties were reported from the incident and intense monsoon rains are believed to have led to the collapses, it prompted criticism from opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, who accused the Nitish Kumar government of inadequate disaster preparedness and infrastructure maintenance.
In what could be seen as potential causes of the collapses, Chaitanya Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department (WRD), also identified inadequate construction and shallow foundations as one of the primary reasons. Meanwhile, each incident is being investigated to mitigate future risks. In addition to that, multiple collapses of small bridges in Siwan and Saran districts have complicated relief efforts amidst ongoing heavy rainfall. Local communities attribute these collapses to recent weather conditions.
The recent spate of bridge collapses in Bihar highlights the government’s failure in disaster planning and infrastructure management. It underscores deficiencies in routine maintenance, inadequate monitoring of construction standards, and delayed emergency responses. The incidents reveal systemic flaws in ensuring infrastructure resilience and public safety, despite warnings such as intense rainfall. Public outcry and opposition criticism underscore the perceived lack of initiative and accountability.
While stronger legislation, comprehensive audits, and improved governance are urgently needed to prevent similar incidents – ensure the safety of Bihar’s populace and critical infrastructure, a PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court underscoring these concerns even further. It called for the establishment of an expert committee to oversee real-time surveillance and conduct comprehensive structural analyses of Bihar’s bridges. The PIL emphasizes Bihar’s vulnerability to floods, covering 73.06% of its land area, and urges swift action to protect both infrastructure and people.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed the Road Construction Department (RCD) and Rural Works Department (RWD) to urgently survey all aging bridges in Bihar. The aim is to identify bridges needing immediate repair and enhance monitoring in line with national guidelines. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reiterated the need for strict maintenance protocols and swift penalties for negligence. Enhanced disaster response plans and infrastructure management remain prioritized as Bihar navigates this crisis.
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