Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 2 : An under-construction footbridge, built at the cost of Rs 1.58 crore, meant to connect Udhampur's Swena and Narsoo blocks in Jammu and Kashmir, collapsed amid heavy rainfall.
Subhash Chander, District Development Council of Narsoo, demanded action against those found guilty and said an inquiry should be conducted to determine whether there may have been a technical fault. He also appealed that the bridge be rebuilt soon.
"It was a long-overdue demand. When work started, people were happy. The bridge connects two blocks, Narsoo and Sewna. After learning about what happened, we contacted the department, informed the local MLA, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who sent teams. An inquiry should be conducted to determine if there may be a technical fault. We appeal for it to be rebuilt soon. Whoever is found guilty, an action should be taken against them," Chander told ANI.
Rajinder Singh, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Udhampur, said that the bridge was under construction for 1.5 years and collapsed due to rain before it could be opened for public use.
"A few days ago, the district administration became aware that someone informed DC ma'am about a footbridge between Dharmsthal and Narda that collapsed due to rain. The under-construction bridge, built at Rs 1.58 crore, had been under construction for 1.5 years. The bridge was in the launching stage. Its binding may not have been done properly, which probably caused the collapse," Singh told ANI.
He said that the District Collector took cognizance of the matter and formed an inquiry committee, which he led. The committee found that some lapses had occurred in monitoring and supervision.
"We spoke with locals on-site and also inquired with the relevant department. After a thorough investigation, we found that some lapses had occurred in monitoring and supervision by the department. The inquiry is still ongoing. We will submit the report to DC ma'am, and inform them of any corrective measures that should be taken," Singh added.