Bihar Government Takes Action: 14 Engineers Suspended After 10 Bridges Collapse in 15 Days

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📷 Image Credits: The Times of India

In a recent turn of events in Bihar, the government has taken strict action in the aftermath of the collapse of 10 bridges in just 15 days. The decision came after a probe panel submitted its report to the Water Resources Department, resulting in the suspension of 14 engineers, including three executive engineers. The series of bridge collapses, spanning districts like Siwan, Saran, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran, and Kishanganj, have brought concern and urgency to the forefront. The latest collapse occurred in Saran district on Thursday, marking the 10th bridge to fall within a span of 17 days.

The findings of the probe panel pointed to negligence and ineffective monitoring by the engineers as the primary causes behind the collapse of small bridges and causeways in the state. Saran district, in particular, witnessed the collapse of three bridges in just 24 hours, raising alarms regarding infrastructure safety and maintenance standards. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has issued directives for officials to conduct a comprehensive survey of all old bridges, highlighting the need for immediate repairs and upgrades to prevent further incidents.

Amidst the escalating crisis, the government has underscored its commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of infrastructure projects across the state. The suspension of engineers from both the Water Resources Department and Rural Works Department underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability in construction and maintenance practices. With the government’s emphasis on thorough investigations and proactive measures, there is a concerted effort to address the root causes of the bridge collapses and prevent such incidents in the future.

The swift action taken by the Bihar government reflects a proactive approach towards addressing critical infrastructure issues and upholding public safety standards. As the investigations and remediation efforts continue, the focus remains on reinforcing the oversight and quality assurance measures in place for ongoing and future construction projects. The commitment to robust infrastructure development and maintenance practices underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring the well-being and security of the citizens of Bihar amidst the challenges posed by recent bridge collapses.