Amid growing concerns over the structural integrity of bridges in Bihar, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court, seeking a comprehensive structural audit of all recently constructed and under-construction bridges in the state. This action follows several incidents of bridge collapses, including the notable collapse of the Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge in Bhagalpur, which has highlighted severe deficiencies in construction quality and oversight.
Key Points from the PIL and Related Developments:
- Demand for Independent Probe:
- The PIL, filed by Advocate Manibhushan Pratap Sengar, calls for an independent investigation into the frequent collapses of bridges in Bihar, rather than relying on departmental inquiries which may lack impartiality. The advocate has also requested that the construction company involved, SP Singla Company, be held accountable for the structural failures.
- Calls for Structural Audits:
- The Bihar Engineering Services Association (BESA) has demanded a thorough structural audit of all the state’s bridges to identify any flaws, weaknesses, and deficiencies. Such an audit is seen as essential to safeguard public safety and ensure the longevity of these critical infrastructures.
- Government Response:
- The state government has responded by suspending the executive engineer responsible for overseeing the construction work and issuing a show-cause notice to the contractor. Additionally, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a detailed investigation into the repeated collapses, stressing the need for accountability and improvements in construction practices.
- Previous Incidents and Investigations:
- The Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge collapse is particularly significant as it had previously collapsed in April 2022. Despite efforts to rectify the issues, the bridge failed again, prompting a broader call for examining all ongoing and completed bridge projects for potential structural issues.
These developments underscore the urgency of addressing infrastructural deficiencies to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety. The PIL and the calls for an independent audit reflect a broader demand for transparency and accountability in public construction projects.