An under-construction footbridge worth Rs 1.58 crore collapsed in Udhampur's Narsoo block due to heavy rains. Officials suspect technical faults and lapses in supervision. An inquiry has been launched, with demands for accountability and swift rebuilding of the vital structure that was to connect Narsoo and Sewna blocks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Representational Image. File Pic
The continuing heavy rainfall in the valley has caused major disruptions in the region for the last few days. Recently, because of the unpleasant weather and intense spells of rain, an under-construction footbridge, built at the cost of Rs 1.58 crore and meant to connect Udhampur's Swena and Narsoo blocks in Jammu and Kashmir, has collapsed.
Considering the fact that the bridge was built with public money, Subhash Chander, District Development Council of Narsoo, demanded action against those found guilty and said an inquiry should be conducted to determine whether there may have been a technical fault. He also appealed that the bridge be rebuilt soon.
Chander, while talking to the media about this issue, asserted that "it was a long-overdue demand. When work started, people were happy. The bridge connects two blocks, Narsoo and Sewna. After learning about what happened, we contacted the department and informed the local MLA and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who sent teams. An inquiry should be conducted to determine if there may be a technical fault. We appeal for it to be rebuilt soon. Whoever is found guilty, an action should be taken against them," as cited by the news agency ANI.
Just a few hours after the bridge collapse, Rajinder Singh, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Udhampur, also issued a statement saying that the bridge was under construction for 1.5 years and collapsed due to rain before it could be opened for public use.
Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Udhampur's father added that, "A few days ago, the district administration became aware that someone informed DC ma'am about a footbridge between Dharmsthal and Narda that collapsed due to rain. The under-construction bridge, built at Rs 1.58 crore, had been under construction for 1.5 years. The bridge was in the launching stage. It's binding may not have been done properly, which probably caused the collapse," as per news agency ANI.
The senior police official further said that the District Collector took cognisance of the matter and formed an inquiry committee, which he led. The committee found that some lapses had occurred in monitoring and supervision.
While concluding his address on the bridge collapse, the police officer highlighted that, "We spoke with locals on-site and also enquired with the relevant department. After a thorough investigation, we found that some lapses had occurred in monitoring and supervision by the department. The inquiry is still ongoing. We will submit the report to DC, ma'am, and inform them of any corrective measures that should be taken, "as per inputs from PTI.
(With PTI inputs)
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