The collapse of the British-era bridge that was 143-years-old sent shockwaves throughout the country, leaving an estimated 140 people dead and many more injured and traumatised. After being closed for repairs during the celebrations for the Gujarati New Year, the bridge was finally opened to traffic on October 26.
It was estimated that there were between 400 and 500 people on the 765-metre-long suspended cable bridge when it broke apart at 6:40 pm on Sunday evening. The number of people was more than three times the capacity of the bridge. In spite of the warning, a large crowd still gathered on the bridge, and many of the people there began shaking it, which ultimately led to the bridge’s collapse. As a direct consequence of this, hundreds of people drowned in the river. According to the administration of the Morbi district, over 140 people were killed in the accident, and according to reports, there is still one person who has been reported missing. Rescue crews are currently searching for this missing person. At the beginning of October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had presided over a high-level conference that was held at Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar to discuss the situation in Morbi. The conference was held at the same time. At the high-level meeting, in addition to other high-ranking officials, including those from the Home Department of the State and the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for the Home Harsh Sanghavi, the Chief Secretary of Gujarat, and the Director General of Police of Gujarat were present. Other high-ranking officials from the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority and the Home Department of the State were also present. Modi also went to see those who were injured and met with their families while he was there.
Healing Touch For the Bereaved Families
Following the announcement made by Prime Minister Modi, the PMNRF will make a gratuitous payment of Rs. 2 lakh to the surviving family members and loved ones of those who perished in the Morbi accident. In addition, people who were injured will each receive Rs 50,000 as compensation. Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, has promised a total of Rs. 400,000 to the families of those who were killed and Rs. 50,000 to each person who was injured.
Both President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar have offered their condolences at this difficult time.
According to Harsh Sanghvi, the Home Minister of Gujarat, teams from the Fire Department, the State Disaster Response team, and the police rushed to the scene within two to three hours and rescued individuals. The rescue operation team also included the National Disaster Response Force, the Army and the Navy.
In spite of the warning, a large crowd still gathered on the bridge, and many of the people there began shaking it, which ultimately led to the bridge’s collapse
Sanghvi also added that those responsible would be held accountable in a severe manner. A day of mourning was held across the entire State of Gujarat on November 2 in memory of those who perished in the collapse of the Morbi Bridge. In accordance with the provisions of Sections 304, 308, and 114 of the Indian Penal Code, a total of nine people have been taken into custody.
Nine Arrested For the Bride Collapse
According to Ashok Yadav, the Inspector General of Police in Rajkot, two managers of the Oreva company, two contractors, two ticket clerks, and three security guards are among the nine people who have been arrested in connection with the collapse of the Morbi bridge.
Following its reopening to the general public in advance of Diwali and the Gujarati New Year, the “Julta Pul” was visited by a significant number of tourists over the course of the Diwali holidays.
According to a video that has gone viral, many people can be seen vigorously moving the ropes, which was normal for the bridge. However, many eyewitnesses reported that these individuals were kicking the ropes specifically and preventing people from exiting the bridge. When taken together with the fact that another video from PM Modi’s rally showing a man attempting to damage the pandal in order to allegedly cause casualties went viral, it is impossible to rule out the possibility that there was a conspiracy.
Another video from PM Modi’s recent rally showing a man attempting to damage the pandal in order to allegedly cause casualties went viral, it is impossible to rule out the possibility that there was a conspiracy
The Oreva group has been singled out in some reports as being responsible for the tragedy that occurred. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the Oreva group undertook the renovation activity as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative (CSR), despite the fact that the company does not engage in this kind of business. In addition to this, the Oreva group had handed over operation and renovation responsibilities for the project to a separate party. By law, India’s largest businesses are required to donate at least 2 per cent of the cumulative net profits they’ve accumulated over the course of the previous three years to charitable organisations.
During the time that the relevant authorities are investigating the tragic accident, the Government needs to reevaluate its CSR activities, and it should make every effort to prevent the issue from becoming politicised.
