Unless you live under a rock, you must be aware of the bridges collapsing back to back in Bihar. If reports are to go by, a total of 12 bridges have collapsed in the past 17 days. The citizens of Bihar are understandably concerned and have raised queries about the safety of other structures as well. Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about these bridge collapses.
Bihar: 12 Bridges Collapse In Just 17 Days; Citizens Worried
Another under-construction #BridgeCollapse in #Bihar, a portion of #bridge on #BhutahiRiver collapses in #Madhubani dist.
5 bridges collapse in 10 days.
June 18 – Araria
June 22 – Siwan
June 23 – East Champaran
June 26 – Kishanganj
June 28 – MadhubaniNehru is responsible. pic.twitter.com/111Z0T55Ut
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) June 29, 2024
According to an article which was recently published by India Today, one of the major contributing factors to the collapse of the bridge is the de-siltation. This is as per Chaitanya Prasad, who is the Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department.
According to his statements cited in the India Today article, the blame, prima facie, rests with the engineers. The contractors, too, as per Prasad, are to be blamed for oversight. Additionally, he said that the bridges had shallow foundations which also led to their collapse.
The latest of the 12 bridges that collapsed in Bihar happened in the Saran district. The bridge connected the Saran and Siwan districts over the Gandaki River. It was 15 years old and this may have also contributed to its downfall.
Officials Blame The Shallow Foundations Of The Bridge
#Bridge Collapse incidents continue in #Bihar, the latest incident reported from Saran, 2 #BridgeCollapsed in the last 24 hr
At least 10 bridges Collapses in the past 15 days in Siwan, Saran, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran, Kishanganj dist.#BiharBridgeCollapse #BiharBridge https://t.co/YtdctduCgt pic.twitter.com/DMSSuNHPzA
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) July 4, 2024
In a matter of 17 days, 12 bridges have collapsed in the Indian state. The collapses took place in regions like Arari, East Champaran, Kishanganj, Madhubani, Saran and Siwan. Understandably, many citizens are concerned about safety.
Many people have also blamed corruption and oversight within the government for the collapse of the bridges. The additional secretary also mentioned that the cost of construction of the new bridges will be borne by the companies found guilty.
A thorough inquiry has been ordered of the remaining structures. Officials have ordered a complete report of their health and structural integrity.
Do you know anyone who lives in Bihar? What do they have to say about the situation? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @jsuryareddy/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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