Image Credits:Times Now
On Monday, July 29, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Bihar government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directives for a comprehensive structural audit of bridges across the state. The PIL, which calls for the formation of a high-level expert committee to identify and address weak bridges, aims to prevent potential infrastructural failures and ensure public safety.
The bench, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, acknowledged the urgency of the matter and directed the Bihar government to respond to the PIL. The petitioners highlighted recent incidents of bridge collapses and structural failures that have raised significant concerns about the safety and reliability of the state’s infrastructure.
The PIL argues that a thorough structural audit is essential to assess the integrity of existing bridges and identify those that may require demolition, strengthening, or urgent repairs. The petitioners stressed the need for a high-level expert committee comprising structural engineers, architects, and safety experts to conduct these assessments and provide recommendations.
In their plea, the petitioners referenced several incidents, including the collapse of a bridge in Gopalganj district in 2022, which resulted in casualties and substantial property damage. Such incidents, they argue, underscore the necessity of proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Supreme Court’s notice marks a significant step towards addressing infrastructural vulnerabilities in Bihar. The court emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters and heavy monsoons, which can exacerbate structural weaknesses.
The Bihar government has been given a stipulated period to submit its response and outline any existing measures being undertaken to audit and maintain bridge safety. The court’s intervention is expected to catalyze a comprehensive review of the state’s infrastructure and potentially prompt the implementation of stringent safety protocols.
This PIL serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining and safeguarding public infrastructure. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for other states facing similar challenges, ultimately enhancing public safety and infrastructure resilience nationwide.