Top News

Dehradun Nanda ki Chowki Bridge: The new bridge built at a cost of about Rs 16 crore at Nanda Ki Chowki in Dehradun could not withstand the rain. Just 17 days after it was opened for traffic, a large part of the approach road leading to the bridge caved in, forming a deep crater. Due to this, the bridge lost its connection with Dehradun-Paonta Sahib Highway. However, officials clarified that the main structure of the bridge is completely safe. The only damage caused was to the approach road, the soil beneath which was washed away due to incessant rains.

The bridge was inaugurated only 17 days ago

This bridge was inaugurated on 12 July. It was to be completed by April 30, but it was opened for traffic after the deadline was delayed. This new bridge was built in place of the old bridge, which was washed away during the floods in September last year. 14 people lost their lives in that accident. For this reason, this new bridge was constructed so that safe traffic could be ensured in the area.

Mud from approach road washed away due to heavy rain

According to officials, the soil beneath the approach road was washed away due to continuous heavy rains on Monday night. Due to this, a large part of the road caved in. He said that there was no damage to the main structure of the bridge and it was completely safe.

Order for investigation, action will be taken if negligence is found

After the incident, District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan took cognizance of the matter and directed the officials to investigate. He said that if any deficiency is found in the construction work or quality, strict action will be taken against the responsible officials and the people concerned. PWD Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey said that the Chief Engineer of the regional office has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the incident, fix responsibility and submit the report with all the evidence to the government within three days. He said that if initial investigation reveals negligence on the part of officials or contractors, appropriate action will be taken against them. Besides, repairing the road and restoring normalcy as soon as possible is the top priority of the department.

Traffic of Dehradun-Vikasnagar and Himachal affected

Due to road subsidence, traffic between Dehradun, Vikasnagar and neighboring state Himachal Pradesh was affected. Keeping in view the security, the administration diverted the vehicles from Jhajhra Road on the outskirts of Dehradun. District Disaster Management Officer Rishabh Kumar said that the water level of Tons river is being awaited. After this, the approach road will be repaired by filling soil safely and traffic will be completely normalized. To avoid any further damage, Irrigation Department officials have also been deployed at the spot, so that the flow of the river can be controlled.

Questions raised on construction quality, people expressed displeasure

After the incident, local people and the opposition have raised questions on the quality of bridge construction. He says that the bridge built at a cost of Rs 16 crore reached this condition just a few days after its inauguration, which raises serious questions on the quality of the construction work. Social activist Anup Nautiyal said that the officials are trying to shirk their responsibility. He raised the question that crores of rupees were spent on this bridge which was completed in almost a year, but within a few days such a big problem emerged. He also asked whether the accountability of the concerned responsible officers and the PWD Minister should not be fixed in this matter.

Traffic restored after temporary repairs, Chief Minister sought clarification

The district administration said that temporary repairs have been made to the approach road and traffic has been resumed. On the instructions of the Chief Minister, clarification has been sought from the concerned officials and the contractor. District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan has clearly said that whoever is found responsible in the investigation, strict action will be taken against him as per rules.