A video showing children unscrewing nuts and bolts from a bridge in Patna, Bihar, has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and raising serious concerns about safety and infrastructure maintenance. The incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in public infrastructure and the need for increased vigilance and public awareness.
The video, circulated widely across various platforms, depicts the children casually removing the fasteners from the bridge structure. The exact location and timing of the video have yet to be independently verified. However, the footage has triggered a wave of reactions from concerned citizens questioning the quality of materials used in the construction and the overall safety of bridges in the state.
One user commented, "What kind of nuts can be opened using only hands?" This sentiment was echoed by others who expressed disbelief and criticized the construction and oversight processes. "Really? Anyone can open it? Wow... well thought and built then," another user wrote, highlighting the apparent ease with which the children were able to dismantle parts of the bridge.
This incident comes at a time when bridge construction and maintenance in Bihar are already under intense scrutiny. In the past year, there have been numerous reports of bridge collapses across the state, raising serious questions about construction practices, the quality of materials, and the level of oversight. The frequent collapses have been attributed to a combination of factors, including poor construction practices, substandard materials, design flaws, cost-cutting measures, and inadequate supervision. Environmental factors such as heavy rains and floods, coupled with human activities like heavy vehicular loads and deep scouring around bridge pillars due to desiltation work, have also contributed to the problem.
In response to previous incidents, the Bihar government has taken measures such as suspending engineers and initiating investigations. However, the Supreme Court has also intervened, expressing concern over the state's handling of the situation and the practice of reinstating suspended officials after public outcry subsides. The apex court has transferred a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning bridge safety to the Patna High Court, emphasizing the need for regular audits and expert assessments.
The incident involving children unscrewing bolts serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public awareness and infrastructure security. While the act may seem like harmless mischief, the consequences could be severe. The removal of nuts and bolts can compromise the structural integrity of the bridge, potentially leading to accidents and even collapse.
The incident also underscores the need for authorities to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of bridges to identify and address any potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities. Additionally, there is a need to educate the public, especially children, about the dangers of tampering with public infrastructure. Increased vigilance and community involvement can play a crucial role in preventing such incidents and ensuring the safety of public structures.
The viral video has not only sparked outrage but also ignited a broader conversation about infrastructure governance and public safety in Bihar. It remains to be seen what steps the government will take to address the concerns raised by this incident and to prevent similar occurrences in the future. However, one thing is clear: ensuring the safety and longevity of public infrastructure requires a concerted effort from authorities, contractors, and the public alike.
