An under-construction bridge collapsed in East Champaran district on Sunday, registering the third such incident in Bihar within a week. The bridge, being built by the state’s Rural Works Department (RWD) to connect Amwa village to other areas in the Ghorasahan block, was nearly 16 metres long and cost Rs 1.5 crore. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident. The cause of the collapse is still uncertain, and a departmental inquiry has been ordered, with strict action promised against those found guilty. Senior officials from the district administration have reached the site, and a detailed report is awaited.
The collapse is reminiscent of a similar incident on Saturday in Siwan district, where a small bridge built over a canal connecting the villages of Daraunda and Maharajganj blocks gave way. Additionally, on Tuesday, a newly constructed bridge approximately 180 metres long collapsed in Araria district. These consecutive incidents have raised concerns about the safety and accountability of the construction process in the state.
Bridge collapses in Bihar’s Motihari
District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal has stated that the exact cause of the collapse is being ascertained, and reports indicate that some locals initially objected to certain pillars of the bridge’s construction. Police are also investigating this matter. Dipak Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of RWD, emphasized that the incident is serious and will not be taken lightly. He assured that a detailed investigation will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against those responsible. The RWD has faced criticism in the past for alleged lapses in construction, and these recent incidents have raised pressure on the department to improve its quality and safety standards.
As the investigation continues, the people of Bihar are left wondering how such incidents can occur repeatedly, and what measures can be taken to prevent them in the future. The collapse of these bridges highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the construction industry, as well as the importance of effective communication and public engagement with local communities during the construction process. Until the causes of these incidents are understood and addressed, the people of Bihar will continue to live with the fear of such disasters occurring again.
