Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has promised to take strict action against those responsible for the collapse of an under-construction bridge over the Ganga river. Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav of hiding the truth regarding the incident. The bridge, intended to connect Khagaria district with Bhagalpur, has collapsed twice in the past 14 months.
The collapse of the 3.16-kilometer-long bridge has raised serious concerns about the quality of infrastructure projects in Bihar. The first collapse occurred in April 2022 on the Sultanganj side of Bhagalpur, while the most recent incident took place on Sunday evening on the Khagaria side. Following the latest collapse, Yadav, a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), stated that experts had identified numerous structural defects in the bridge. He further claimed that the state government had already dismantled several sections that were deemed particularly vulnerable.
The BJP has strongly criticized Yadav’s comments, accusing him of concealing the truth and attempting to shift blame onto others. The party argues that the state government should take responsibility for the repeated collapses, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to determine the causes and hold accountable those responsible for the construction and supervision of the bridge.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has responded to the situation by asserting that strict action will be taken against those found guilty in the bridge collapse. Kumar’s statement reflects the seriousness with which the state government views the incident and its commitment to ensuring accountability. He has urged for a comprehensive investigation into the matter, with a focus on identifying any negligence or malpractice that may have contributed to the collapses.
The repeated failures of the under-construction bridge have sparked concerns among the public regarding the state’s infrastructure development projects. Questions are being raised about the quality of materials used, the adherence to safety standards during construction, and the effectiveness of the supervision and inspection processes. The bridge’s collapse not only highlights the urgent need for a thorough evaluation of ongoing projects but also underscores the importance of preventing such incidents from recurring in the future.
The Bihar government’s promise of strict action against those responsible is an important step towards restoring public confidence and ensuring that the necessary measures are taken to prevent similar accidents. It is crucial for the authorities to address the concerns raised by the opposition and the public and to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the collapse. This will help determine the exact causes of the failures and enable appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.
In the wake of this tragic incident, it is essential for the state government to review its infrastructure development policies, enhance quality control mechanisms, and strengthen supervision and inspection processes. Additionally, there should be a renewed focus on ensuring that all construction projects meet the necessary safety standards and undergo rigorous assessments at every stage of development.
The collapse of the under-construction bridge over the Ganga river has raised serious questions about the state’s commitment to infrastructure development and public safety. The response of the Bihar government, including its promise of strict action and calls for a comprehensive investigation, will play a crucial role in addressing these concerns and preventing similar incidents in the future. It is imperative that lessons are learned from this tragic event to ensure the integrity and safety of all infrastructure projects in the state.
