QUESTIONS REGARDING COLLAPSING BRIDGES, SUBSIDING ROADS AND THE POOR CONSTRUCTIONS: BHIA DINESH

QUESTIONS REGARDING COLLAPSING BRIDGES, SUBSIDING ROADS AND THE POOR CONSTRUCTIONS: BHIA DINESH

7-JUNE-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Incidents such as the damage to the railway overbridge in Buxar, irregularities in drain construction in Patna and Ara, the collapse or subsidence of bridges, culverts, roads, and government buildings across various districts, and the need for repairs shortly after inauguration for projects costing billions of rupees are deeply concerning.

The fact that the underground passage built from the Shri Hanuman Mandir to the bus stand in Patna required repairs in its initial phase, and that the new Legislative Assembly building—constructed at a cost of billions—needed repairs immediately after its inauguration, raises serious questions regarding construction quality, monitoring mechanisms, and accountability. This is not merely the failure of a single bridge, road, or building; it signals a systemic failure where the necessary seriousness is lacking in ensuring the quality of projects funded by public tax money. When roads disintegrate, cracks appear in bridges, and buildings require repairs within just a few years, it is natural for the public to ask: who is ultimately responsible for this?

Governments make grand claims about development and good governance, but true development is that which provides safe, high-quality amenities to the public for years to come. Development is not achieved merely through inaugurations and foundation-stone laying ceremonies; rather, public trust is built through the structural integrity, transparency, and accountability of construction projects.

There is an urgent need today for impartial, transparent, and time-bound inquiries into all major construction projects; for fixing accountability on the guilty officials, contractors, and associated individuals; and for establishing a robust system to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

It is unfortunate that many serious issues remain in the spotlight for a few days but fade from public memory as new issues emerge. However, matters such as the wastage of public funds, corruption, inflation, unemployment, poverty, and injustice should remain subjects of constant concern in any democracy.

The people of Bihar and the nation must remain vigilant and consistently question their rights, the utilization of public funds, and the quality of development works. In a democracy, public vigilance is the greatest strength. Awaken, Bihar! Awaken, fellow citizens!

The honest expenditure of public money on the development of the people is the true hallmark of democracy.