HC directs probe into one-year-old Dahisar Bridge collapse

Mumbai, Oct 12 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the Chairman of Standing Technical Advisory Committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to undertake investigation of the foot-over bridge at Dahisar that was washed away during the deluge last year, and submit a report within two months.

A division bench comprising Justices R M Lodha and S A Bobde found it extremely unusual that the foot over bridge constructed in 2004 got washed away within a year while another 400 year old Portuguese bridge just 400 metres away from the said bridge still stand in very good condition even after the heavy rains on 26/7 last year.

The judges ordered an inquiry into the issue including aspects like whether the design of the bridge was faulty. Further the court wanted the STAC Chairman to probe if there were any structural weaknesses due to faulty construction, sub-standard material being used or any other reason. Also, he has to find out if there was negligence on part of the engineers or architects or was there improper supervision during the construction.

The court also wanted report on whether there was negligence on part of the engineer in maintenance of the bridge after construction and if there was any malpractice for awarding the contract to Sheetal Mhatre who is a local corporator.

The court was told by the BMC counsel K K Singhvi that the contract had been awarded based on tenders recieved and the least expensive contractor was selected for the construction. The bridge that is 10 metres long and 2.5 metres wide was constructed at the cost of Rs 5.5 lakhs.

He further contended that the bridge had been washed away as it got submerged during the deluge and there were report by experts that confirmed his submission.

But, the court, while hearing the public interest litigation filed by one Mr Ramesh Nirgun alleging that the bridge was constructed using sub-standard material and there were malpractices indulged in by the contractor for getting the contract, felt appropriate to investigate and then arrive on a conclusion.

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