Maharashtra directs urban bodies to conduct structural audits of all bridges, buildings
'The responsibility of maintenance and repair of bridges and buildings constructed in the area of urban local bodies from their own or government funds is with the respective urban local bodies. Large crowds gather at tourist or religious locations and due to that there is the fear of accidents at dilapidated bridges or buildings,' said Sachin Sahasrabuddhe, deputy secretary of the state urban development department in a Government Resolution (GR) issued on Monday.
He said the state government has directed all urban local bodies to conduct structural audits of all bridges and buildings built by them. 'The civic body should immediately take safety measures at all such dilapidated bridges and buildings to avoid any loss of life or property,' said Sahrabuddhe.
Urban local bodies in the state are provided funds to construct bridges and buildings under various government schemes. It is the responsibility of the respective urban local body to ensure the safety of people using it by regularly taking up repairs and maintenance work.
On June 15, four people died and 50 suffered injuries when an iron bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed with over 150 tourists on it. The incident happened at Kundamala, a popular but offbeat tourist site, 30 kms from Pune and near Talegaon Dabhade in Maval taluka of Pune district.
Civic activist and AAP leader Vijay Kumbhar said the state government has woken up after the accident and ordered structural audits of bridges and buildings.
'What was the need to give such directions when their are rules, laws and recommendations for the safety and maintenance of bridges and buildings? There is defect liability period for every work and everyone knows it,' he said, adding it was unfortunate that these accidents occur and directions for structural audit are issued thereafter.
Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune. He writes on Infrastructure, Politics, Civic issues, Sustainable Development and related stuff. He is a trekker and a sports enthusiast.
Ajay has written research articles on the Conservancy staff that created a nationwide impact in framing policy to improve the condition of workers handling waste.
Ajay has been consistently writing on politics and infrastructure. He brought to light the lack of basic infrastructure of school and hospital in the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde even as two private helipads were developed by the leader who mostly commutes from Mumbai to Satara in helicopter.
Ajay has been reporting on sustainable development initiatives that protects the environment while ensuring infrastructure development. ... Read More
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