Arunachal: Kra Daadi students union demand probe over bridge collapse

Itanagar: The All Kra Daadi District Students’ Union (AKDDSU) on Thursday demanded to constitute a fact-finding committee to unearth the reasons for the collapse of the under-construction bridge on the Kumey river collapse incident at Kuwa camp on Yangte-Tali road. 

“It is very unfortunate that two bridges have collapsed at the same location so far. We condemn the executing agency and the PWD Tali Division for the incident,” said Pakyum Talop, President, AKDDSU.

The AKDDSU submitted a representation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday, demanding a ‘fact-finding committee to locate the cause of the collapse. 

If malpractice and corruption found out to be the reason for the collapse, the implementing and executing agencies should be brought to justice and exemplary punishment should be given to responsible persons.

Addressing the media here at Arunachal Press Club, the AKDDSU president Talop stated that the use of sub-standard and low-quality materials in the bridge could be a reason for the mishap, adding that an inquiry committee should also explore on that angle.

“We appreciate Chief Minister for timely completion of Itanagar-Naharlagun stretch. At the same time, we would be grateful if Chief minister himself physically visit the bridge collapse site to assess the ground reality” said Talop.

The AKDDSU also stated that they have lost faith in local contractors especially after twice the collapse of the bridge at the same location. The district students’ union urged the government to hire an expert bridge construction company to maintain quality works and avoid technical error in future.

The union also demanded the executing agency to clarify the cause of the bridge collapse through local media.

The under-construction steel arch bridge over the Kumey river at Kuwa Camp on the Yangte-Tali road collapsed on Sunday evening. The bridge is funded under the cabinet committee infrastructure of the state plan under the Tali PWD division.