Gujarat government swings into action, shuts down 2 ‘weak’ bridges

GANDHINAGAR: Days after the bridge collapse in Morbi which claimed the lives of 135 persons, the Gujarat government swung into action by closing down bridges and recreational activities that could endanger the lives of people. The roads and buildings (R&B) department and collectors of all districts have been asked to identify structures such as bridges and other recreational centres that have become weak. Officials said on Wednesday a bridge on Hamirsar lake in Kutch and another in Mandvi, Kutch, have been closed with immediate effect. In addition, boating at Bet Dwarka has also been suspended.
Top officials further said that authorities at famous pilgrimage and religious centres such as Ambaji, Pavagadh, Dwarka, Somnath, Palitana and others have been asked to put into place systems to regulate the number of visitors. “These places experience very high numbers of visitors and have been asked to set up systems where the flow of pilgrims can be regulated,” officials said.
Chief secretary Pankaj Kumar is said to have held a meeting with officials of the R&B and other departments. The R&B department in particular has been asked to identify all bridges which have become old, weak or damaged. “The department has been asked to immediately shut all such structures,” sources said.
Meanwhile, in the past two days, Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) suspended 25 boat licenses for seven days for ferrying more passengersthan allowed during festival days. The distance by sea between Okha jetty and Bet Dwarka jetty is two nautical miles. Around 180 boats have licences to ferry passengers to and from the island. On normal days the rush is less, but during festival days there is a heavy rush.
Government sources said there are several bridges under the panchayats department, especially in rural areas, which have not been repaired for a long time. “In addition, there are religious shrines on top of hills where large numbers of people visit on special occasions. All such places have been directed to have all required safety and rescue facilities,” sources said.