WCL’s earthen bridge washed away, pollutes Wardha river

Nagpur: Tonnes of soil and hundreds of sandbags were swept away in Wardha river polluting the water body after the earthen bridge constructed by Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) allegedly in an unauthorized manner was washed away on Wednesday night. It also affected connectivity between Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts.
According to social activist Ibadul Siddiqui, transportation of coal has halted and this might affect production of power and other coal-based products in coming days, causing huge financial loss to Central government.

“Today, a large number of people from Ghugus and adjoining villages of Chandrapur could not go to work in coal mines on other side of the river in Yavatmal district. Also, villagers on both sides could not cross the river,” he said.
TOI on December 17, 2022, had reported about WCL using bridge over Wardha River near Ghugus for all types of vehicles, including trucks transporting huge quantity of coal, despite one of its pillars being tilted. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) had restricted movement of heavy vehicles citing structural audit report of VNIT.
WCL had been overlooking construction of a new bridge despite memorandums from Siddiqui in last four years. A day after TOI’s report, WCL closed the bridge.
Later, WCL constructed earthen bridge in riverbed with overburden (OB) excavated from coal mines and sandbags to resume traffic movement, including coal-laden heavy vehicles. Mandatory permission from water resources department (WRD) was not taken. WRD, while giving permission later, had directed WCL to ensure clearance from state’s public works department (PWD) which is pending till date.
PWD had informed WCL that the temporary bridge was not as per safety norms.
Siddiqui told TOI that water level has increased in the river due to unseasonal rains “but there is no flood”. “Bridge being swept away points to inferior quality of works and improper planning. Tonnes of soil and sandbags that were swept away got deposited in riverbed. An offence should be registered against WCL officials concerned for causing damage to environment.
“Coal production and transportation was effected for 14 days when the pillar of old bridge got tilted. The loss should be recovered from WCL officials,” he said.
Siddiqui has lodged complaints with collector, superintendent of police of Chandrapur district and demanded stringent action against officials concerned of WCL, WRD and PWD.
WCL general manager (public relations) Narendra Kumar said officials of WCL Wani Area did not release any statement on Thursday and likely to issue on Friday.
No heavy vehicle or two-wheeler was on the bridge when it got swept away.