Bihar Bridge Collapse Shock: Manjhi Points to Monsoon Amid Conspiracy Claims; 16 Engineers Suspended in Stunning Turn
Bihar Bridge Collapses: Monsoon and Negligence Under Scrutiny
Days after suggesting a conspiracy behind recent bridge collapses in Bihar, Union Minister and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has shifted his stance, now attributing the incidents to the monsoon. Manjhi defended Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, stating that he had directed officials to penalize those responsible for any negligence.
On June 29, Manjhi speculated why the collapses were occurring now and not earlier, suggesting a deliberate attempt to discredit the government. He also raised concerns about potential use of substandard construction materials. The Bihar government, led by Nitish Kumar, has since suspended 16 engineers following the collapse of 10 bridges within 15 days.
Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Revised Statement
Reversing his earlier comments, Manjhi, who also heads the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), cited unusually heavy monsoon rains as the primary factor causing the bridge collapses. “It is monsoon time. There has been an abnormal amount of rain, which is the reason behind the collapse of bridges,” Manjhi stated, adding that the Chief Minister is closely overseeing the investigation.
Suspensions and Accountability
NDTV reported the suspension of 16 engineers from the water resources department. Chaitanya Prasad, Bihar Development Secretary, indicated that contractors responsible for the construction would be identified and held accountable.
Incidents Across Districts
In June alone, five bridges collapsed in the districts of Araria, Siwan, East Champaran, Kishanganj, and Madhubani. Subsequent collapses occurred on July 3, with four small bridges failing in Saran and Siwan districts. The 10th incident was recorded on July 4, when a small bridge over the Gandaki River in Saran district collapsed.
Political Fallout
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has criticized the government, claiming that 12 bridges have fallen since June 18. “Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar are silent. What happened to the claims of good governance and a corruption-free government?” Yadav questioned in a post on social media platform X.
The bridge collapses have sparked significant concern and debate over both natural factors and the potential failings in infrastructure management and construction oversight.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/india/bihar-bridge-collapse-after-conspiracy-remark-jitan-ram-manjhi-blames-monsoon-16-engineers-suspended-11720181310208.html
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