Hailakandi: Under Construction Bridge Collapses, Questions Raised Over Construction Quality

An under-construction bridge collapsed and fell into a canal in Hailakandi on Wednesday, raising questions over the quality of construction work and the materials being used.

The incident took place at the Bagergul connecting canal between Mohanpur and Second Part under the Algapur-Katlicherra Assembly constituency. The bridge was still under construction when it suddenly gave way and sank into the canal, creating panic in the area.

According to local residents, around 10 workers were present at the site when the bridge collapsed. Fortunately, they managed to jump out in time and no casualties were reported.

Locals alleged that the contractor, identified as Raju Choudhury, had been repeatedly warned about the quality of materials being used for the construction. They claimed that poor-quality wood was used despite objections from residents.

Residents further alleged that the sand and stones used in the construction were also of poor quality and were mixed with soil. They claimed that iron rods had developed rust during floods and alleged that the shuttering work was also of poor quality.

According to the residents, several concerns were raised with the contractor from the beginning of the construction work, but the warnings were allegedly ignored. They have now demanded a proper investigation into the collapse and an assessment of the quality of the construction work.

One local resident said people had hoped that the completion of the bridge would bring relief and allow them to lead a normal life, but those hopes had now collapsed along with the bridge.

Another resident appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order an inquiry into the incident. He also urged Hailakandi Deputy Commissioner to look into the matter and called upon Hailakandi MLA Dr Milon Das and Algapur-Katlicherra MLA Zubair Anam to take note of the situation.