17 Engineers Suspended Amidst Collapse of 10 Bridges in Bihar

Ten bridges in Bihar collapsed in less than a month, causing widespread concern and outrage. As a result, 17 engineers connected to these incidents have been suspended, and they face scrutiny for their potential roles in the structural failures.

(Photo : Pexels/Quang Nguyen Vinh )

Bridges Collapse in Bihar

Bihar has witnessed the collapse of about a dozen bridges over the previous 15 days, which has raised severe questions regarding the quality of construction and the utilization of materials. On the other hand, Bihar has a history of bridge collapses of this kind. There has been a concerningly consistent occurrence of bridges collapsing, both large and small, old and new.

On Thursday morning, a bridge for the Gandaki rivulet that had existed for fifteen years fell. Two bridges in the same district, Janta Bazar and Lahladpur collapsed the day before. Both of these bridges were broken. Other bridges, such as the one in Saran, are only 30, while others are nearly 100.

Moreover, on June 18, seven more bridges collapsed in Madhubani, East Champaran, and Kishanganj, all in the Aararia district neighborhood. As a result of the string of bridge collapses, questions have been raised regarding the structural integrity of additional bridges, both new and existing. Though it is clear that the common contractor-engineer-officer nexus plays a significant role, nobody has taken the blame for the regular failures.

Accordingly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been praised for building an extensive network of roads, bridges, and culverts throughout Bihar over the past 19 years. Previously, he asserted that he had built roads and bridges on such a vast scale that it is now possible for people to travel to Patna from far-flung state regions in half an hour. This was frequently his platform when he ran for office in the Assembly. Without a doubt, his reputation has suffered due to the collapse of bridges. Despite Nitish's directive to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the causes of bridge collapses, there is an ongoing issue of blame among officials, engineers, and contractors.

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Suspended Engineers

Reports indicate that the collapses may have been caused by desilting and dredging efforts that were carried out in preparation for the monsoon. As mentioned, their foundations may have been compromised by eliminating mud and silt from the area surrounding the bridge pillars.

The higher water flow caused by dredging also impacted the foundations, compromising the bridges. Nevertheless, some sources cited experts who assert that several other factors, including using materials that were not up to standards, the failure to follow design criteria, inadequate supervision, and poor quality control; others believe that heavy rains caused the collapses.

On Friday, July 5, the government of Bihar suspended 17 engineers in response to a series of bridge collapses around the state over the previous two weeks.

Failures associated with collapses in the Saran and Siwan districts resulted in the suspension of 11 engineers. After an investigation conducted by flying squads of the water resources department, it was discovered that the engineers needed to take preventative measures or conduct any technical inspections of the bridges. In addition, the government stated that contractors were found to have engaged in gross negligence.

Four engineers from the rural works department were suspended for negligence after a team commanded by a chief engineer-level officer conducted an investigation. Two more engineers were suspended after a collapse occurred in the Ghodasahan block of the East Champaran district.

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