An under-construction small bridge collapsed in East Champaran district on Sunday, marking the third such incident in Bihar within a week, officials said. The collapse occurred in Ghorasahan block in Motihari. Significantly, no casualties were reported.
Significantly, the 16-meter-long bridge, is being built by the state's Rural Works Department (RWD) over a canal, and is intended to connect Amwa village to other areas of the block. The project had a budget of Rs 1.5 crore.
Exact cause behind collapse remain unidentified
Meanwhile, speaking of the incident, Dipak Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of RWD said, "The exact cause of the incident is not yet known. It is a serious matter and a departmental inquiry has been ordered. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty." "Senior district administration officers have arrived at the site, and a detailed report is awaited," he added.
Further, District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal also confirmed that the cause of the collapse is being investigated. "There are reports that some locals initially objected to the construction of certain pillars. Police are also looking into this matter," he added.
Moreover, this incident follows the collapse of a small bridge in Siwan district on Saturday, which connected the villages of Daraunda and Maharajganj blocks. Earlier, on Tuesday, a newly constructed 180-meter-long bridge collapsed in Araria district. These repeated incidents have raised concerns about the quality of public works in the state.
(With inputs from PTI)
READ MORE | Bihar cabinet gives nod to release of Rs 774 cr for clearing dues of Shiksha Sevaks, Talimi Markaz
READ MORE | Nitish Kumar-led Bihar govt announces to give 'unemployment allowance' to jobless youths in state
