Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Defends Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Bridge Collapses

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar regarding the recent bridge collapses in Bihar. Manjhi stated that the unusually heavy monsoon rains were the primary cause of these incidents. He assured that Nitish Kumar has given strict instructions to take action against those responsible for any negligence.

In the past 15 days, 10 bridges have collapsed in Bihar, raising concerns about the safety and maintenance of infrastructure. A bridge in Saran district collapsed on Thursday, marking the 10th such incident in just over two weeks.

Manjhi mentioned that Nitish Kumar held a meeting and directed that strict action be taken against any negligence. Five bridges in Araria, Siwan, East Champaran, Kishanganj, and Madhubani districts collapsed in June. The first incident was the collapse of a bridge in Araria on June 18, followed by a 40-45-year-old bridge over the Gandak River in Siwan on June 22. On June 23, a bridge under construction in East Champaran collapsed, with locals blaming substandard materials.

State Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary confirmed ongoing investigations and promised action against negligent officers. He stated that he is getting everything investigated and has given directions for swift action. Choudhary emphasized that action will be taken against negligent officers and contractors.

Officials have blamed engineers and contractors for the incidents, stating that engineers did not take proper care and contractors were not careful. Special teams have been sent to the sites, and strict action has been taken against those responsible. New bridges will be constructed, with the cost borne by the contractors. Most of the collapsed bridges were around thirty years old, and their foundations were damaged during de-siltation.

Last year, a temporary bridge built on the Ganga in Vaishali district was partly washed away by strong winds before its inauguration.