Bridge collapses in Sivasagar district Assam

In yet another instance, anomalies in the works of Public Works Department (PWD) came to light. A 24.75-metre long connecting bridge between Dawki Ali and Mechagarh in Nazira in Sivasagar district, built under the Prime Minister's Gram Sadak Yojna(PMGSY), split into half on Wednesday.

Allegations have been made by locals that due to misappropriation of the sanctioned amount of Rs 95 lakh and poor quality works by the contractor and gross negligence by the PWD authorities, the bridge collapsed.

The bridge collapsed just after a school van, carrying children, had crossed. Though no casualties were reported, the journey from Salaguri in Sivasagar to Mechagarh came to a standstill. As a result, local people, especially students and patients, are facing a lot of inconveniences. Local people have demanded the administration to take action against the erring contractor.

Four years ago, a contractor won the tender for construction of the bridge under the PMGSY scheme. It took four years for the construction of the bridge to be completed, although it was not officially opened for transportation owing to some constructional abnormalities on the bridge.

In addition, in the year 2019, people made a complaint to the then Chief Minister. They had submitted an application to former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal citing anomalies in the construction of the bridge. But no response was allegedly given by the Assam Government.