Patna, The Bihar government has formed a high-level committee to probe the recent bridge collapses across the state, including six incidents in the last 13 days.
The latest landslide took place on Sunday in Khausi Dangi village in Kishanganj and affected a small bridge built over the Boond river in 2009-2010 with MPLAD funds.
Most of the collapsed bridges, including those under construction, were built or are being built by the state's rural works department (RWD).
RWD Minister Ashok Choudhary on Tuesday said the committee, headed by the chief engineer, will analyze the causes behind these collapses and recommend necessary corrective actions.
"The department has constituted a high-level committee headed by the chief engineer to investigate the recent incidents of bridge collapse that have been reported from different parts of the state. The committee will find out the reasons and also suggest remedial measures," he said.
The committee, specifically tasked with incidents involving bridges built by RWD, is expected to present its findings within two to three days.
Choudhary mentioned initial reports suggesting some bridges were not operational or required maintenance.
"For example, a newly constructed 182-meter bridge over the Bakra River in Pararia village collapsed on June 18. It was built under the PMGSY, but has not been inaugurated yet due to unfinished access roads," he added.
The committee has been directed to thoroughly examine all aspects, including the quality of materials used in the foundation and structures of the bridge.
Addressing concerns raised by Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi, who suspected a conspiracy behind the collapses, Choudhary refrained from making direct comments.
"Why is the state suddenly witnessing so many bridge collapses? Why is it happening after the Lok Sabha elections? I suspect there is a conspiracy behind this. The authorities concerned should investigate it," Majhi said recently.
The recent incidents included landslides in Madhubani, Araria, Siwan and East Champaran districts, and two bridges collapsed in Kishanganj district during the last six days.
The latest landslide took place on Sunday in Khausi Dangi village in Kishanganj and affected a small bridge built over the Boond river in 2009-2010 with MPLAD funds.
Most of the collapsed bridges, including those under construction, were built or are being built by the state's rural works department (RWD).
RWD Minister Ashok Choudhary on Tuesday said the committee, headed by the chief engineer, will analyze the causes behind these collapses and recommend necessary corrective actions.
"The department has constituted a high-level committee headed by the chief engineer to investigate the recent incidents of bridge collapse that have been reported from different parts of the state. The committee will find out the reasons and also suggest remedial measures," he said.
The committee, specifically tasked with incidents involving bridges built by RWD, is expected to present its findings within two to three days.
Choudhary mentioned initial reports suggesting some bridges were not operational or required maintenance.
"For example, a newly constructed 182-meter bridge over the Bakra River in Pararia village collapsed on June 18. It was built under the PMGSY, but has not been inaugurated yet due to unfinished access roads," he added.
The committee has been directed to thoroughly examine all aspects, including the quality of materials used in the foundation and structures of the bridge.
Addressing concerns raised by Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi, who suspected a conspiracy behind the collapses, Choudhary refrained from making direct comments.
"Why is the state suddenly witnessing so many bridge collapses? Why is it happening after the Lok Sabha elections? I suspect there is a conspiracy behind this. The authorities concerned should investigate it," Majhi said recently.
The recent incidents included landslides in Madhubani, Araria, Siwan and East Champaran districts, and two bridges collapsed in Kishanganj district during the last six days.
