Laxity Requires Thorough Probe

The death of over 140 persons including 35 children and around 50 women, in Gujarat’s Morbi town due to collapse of a newly repaired and operationalized hanging bridge on October 30 comes as a grim reminder of human losses due to sheer negligence of authorities and flawed governance.

The bridge originally constructed on Machchhu river in 1887 had been thrown open to public only four days ago after several months of repair. Reports suggest the contract for the renovation had been assigned to a person not competent to undertake such engineering assignments. Secondly, it was thrown open without ‘fitness certificate’ being issued by the municipal authorities. Thirdly, it is being questioned as to why huge number of revelers were allowed to enter the bridge when the known capacity it could withstand was 150. Videos of spectators enjoying the evening at the bridge filmed minutes before the wires of the bridge snapped, provide ample evidence of it being subjected to what it was not designed to do.

Only a thorough probe will reveal the real causes for the tragedy and the Gujarat Government has set up a five-member panel for the purpose. But, of the nine people so far arrested, none of them belong to the contracting company i.e., Oreva, a firm engaged in making clocks, harvesting water and power-compacting fluorescent lamps. The accused held so far include two managers, two ticket clerks along with two contractors and three security personnel deputed for crowd control. The company’s website describes the core competencies of the firm in electrical appliances, but does not carry any mention of experience or expertise in structural engineering.

The original contract had sought closure of the bridge for eight to twelve months for restoration and renovation, but it was thrown open within five months. It is worth probing as to why the watch and ward staff of the maintenance firm sold more tickets than it was mandated to issue. It is worth reflecting if the expectation of huge gate income from revelers (useful to be reminded that April 26 was the Gujarati New Year) persuaded the maintenance firm to cash in upon the opportunity. More discrepancies make the affair further murkier.

Original contract had specified that the tickets would be sold for Rs. 15 for adults and Rs. 10 for the children, but tickets issued on Sunday charged Rs. 17 and Rs. 12 respectively. Places of tourist interest and pilgrim towns are attracting visitors following the end of the two-year long pandemic and after withdrawal of the restrictions on movement of people. It is imperative for authorities to conduct safety audit of such places before the visitors are allowed.

Dangers lurk in places that have not been under watch and maintenance. Similarly it is essential for the personnel to undergo alertness drill to shrug off the accumulated complacency due to long inaction.