Overzealous Desilting May Be Behind Bihar’s Record Bridge Collapses: Officials

The recent collapse of 10 bridges in Bihar within a span of 15 days, just as the monsoon season began, has raised serious concerns about the quality of construction and materials used. However, officials suggest that the root cause may be the unscientific desilting and dredging practices carried out as part of monsoon preparations.

Historical Context

Bihar, a state in eastern India, has a long history of dealing with monsoon-related challenges. The region is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, making it prone to flooding. Historically, the state has undertaken various measures to manage river flow and prevent flooding, including the construction of embankments and bridges. However, the quality and maintenance of these structures have often been questioned.

The Issue

Contracts were issued for the desilting and dredging of river stretches to prepare for the monsoon. However, the unscientific manner in which this was executed has led to the collapse of these bridges. Officials revealed that mud and silt were removed from around the bridge pillars, leaving them without a stable base. Additionally, dredging increased the water flow but did not account for its impact on the embankments.

Consequences

During the monsoon, the increased water flow exposed the weaknesses in the bridges. In some cases, the pillars collapsed due to a lack of support, while in others, the faster-flowing rivers eroded the embankments, depriving the bridges of their foundational support.

Government Response

Chaitanya Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department, acknowledged the issue and stated that the government is formulating a comprehensive policy for bridge maintenance. The ten bridges that collapsed were located in Siwan, Saran, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran, and Kishanganj districts.

Political Reactions

The opposition has criticized the government, accusing it of corruption. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav questioned the claims of good governance and corruption-free administration. BJP leader Dr. Nikhil Anand expressed his fear of crossing any bridge in Bihar and called for a serious probe and auditing. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary mentioned that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a survey of all old bridges and an investigation into the collapses.

Summary

• Historical Context: Bihar’s history of monsoon challenges and river management.
• Cause: Unscientific desilting and dredging practices.
• Consequences: Collapse of 10 bridges due to weakened foundations and eroded embankments.
• Government Response: Formulating a comprehensive bridge maintenance policy.
• Political Reactions: Accusations of corruption and calls for a thorough investigation.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the issue, its historical context, and the various reactions, making it suitable for students preparing for competitive exams.