The Concerned Citizens of Nagaland (CCN) expresses our heartfelt condolences and conveys our prayers and support to the bereaved families of the deceased victims and to those injured when the bridge over river Chathe, Diphupar A, near Referral Hospital, Dimapur, Nagaland collapsed.
CCN vehemently condemns the Roads & Bridges Minister and the PWD Department for the irresponsible and “slow motion action” that was shown towards the bridge, which had very clearly exceeded its life span, as evident from the prediction of the collapse by the department in 2015. The public dreaded using the bridge, but, without any choice or alternative, had to ply on the bridge, as it was the only route for commuting to the villages, schools, colleges, offices , hospitals, etc; and the life-line connection between the rural areas and the main town - Dimapur.
CCN questions the sanction order No.NH-12031/58/2014/NG/NH-8 issued on 28th July, 2015, wherein an amount of Rs. 37.66 crores (Rupees thirty seven crores sixty six lakhs only) was sanctioned by the Government of India, for construction of RCC Girder Bridge within 24 months. Mention may be made here that during the closure of the bridge for 2 months in 2015, the public were anticipating that the work would begin; however, it was found that only minor repairing were done and rods placed on the bridge to prevent plying of heavy vehicles. It is also learned via Letter no CE/NH/CRF/ 2015-16/19 on 14/06/16 that sanction was made to MS Naagamitech regd .No NPWD class 1/448/2002 by the PWD , an amount of Rs 34,87,01,786 for the construction of the approved bridge. Hence, CCN strongly questions the validity of the work order and strongly demands an answer for the delay of the work order and demands an answer from the R& B minister, PWD department, MS Naagamitech And the MLA of the constituency the silence on the delay of such impr and urgent work which killed 4 people and express frustration that the silence used here was the instrument used for the death victims.
CCN also raises queries as to why there is no signboard on the bridge, as a caution to the public to be aware of the dangers on the continuous use of the bridge, the maximum load capacity and other technical information; which might have prevented the collapse and subsequent loss of life, injuries and loss/damage of property.
The PWD department washing off its hand in 2015 over the deteriorating bridge and accusing the state government not responding to the so-called Rebuilding project of Rs. 49.00 lakhs which was prepared for “strengthening” the bridge as published in reports is highly questionable. CCN also questions why such “urgent needs of the hour” were not heeded to by the State Government in time.
With the collapse of the bridge, the daily lives of thousands of people is affected, which will have a great impact on the decrease of productivity of the economic, social and governmental work of the people and the State; for which, the Roads & Bridges Minister should be held solely responsible. CCN demands that an immediate intervention with alternative arrangements, utilizing the best workmanship, without compromising on the quality, be made immediately.
CCN fervently appeal to the citizens to wake up and realize their rights and duties; for had the public and concerned authorities, including the incumbent MLA from the area been strong enough to demand for changes instead of being mute spectators, complaining and grumbling from the comforts of our own homes, such a tragic incident could had been averted. CCN also states that the silence of the people and reluctance to be vigilant and demand for what duly is our “Citizen’s Right” was one of the reasons leading to the pain and shock brought by the collapse of the bridge.
CCN reiterates its commitment to carry on the demand of good roads and bridges – “a Citizen’s Right”; and urges upon the public to take upon ourselves the task to demand for and of supervising any work that concerns the welfare of the people with integrity and vigilance; lest such incidents befall us again.
CCN also expresses concern on the quality of work and the condition of the Dhansiri Bridge and Flyovers in Dimapur and requires the R & B (PWD) Department to carry out timely checks on these areas as “prevention is better than cure”.
