Dimapur, July 12 (EMN): The opposition political parties and various organisation have upped the ante for the government that is already facing a crises by demanding the resignation of Minister PWD (Roads and Bridges) following the collapse of the bridge on River Chathe that resulted in 4 deaths and many injured.
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee reminded Minister Vikheho Swu, that, " accepting full moral responsibility without budging from his ministerial position is just an eyewash and lip service that is insulting especially to the memory of those killed in this tragic bridge collapse" .
"Ifthe R&B Minister understands the real meaning of full moral responsibility, he should immediately resign from his post rather than give feeble explanations to absolve himself or the department since warning signs of imminent dangers of using the bridge was being highlighted since 2013," stated a press release from the party.
On the other hand the Nagaland congress also joined the bandwagon and stated that, "If Minister, Road & Bridges is sincere and man of his word he should resign immediately for what he owns- ‘moral responsibility'. Else he should be able to hear the cry of conscious public who are demanding his resignation. In similar spirit NLC demands his immediate resignation because no amount of justification from him or supporters will bring justice."
A press release from the party als further stated that the cabinet decision to pay ex gratia to deceased family and conduct enquiry is 'too late, too little' and that it is, "pathetically a cosmetic make up just to appease the widespread public protest and condemnation."
They also lambasted all the ruling elected member that whether they are capable or not every member vies for the portfolio of PWD( Road & Bridges) despite the fact that, "practically there is no road, no difference between road and drainage/streams in the State and no action plan to improve road condition either".
The Nagaland Congress also conveyed its deep anguish and expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the wished quick recovery for the injured.
Nagaland Tribes Council
The Nagaland Tribes Council on Wednesday stated that it is shocked and grieved by the tragedy of the bridge collapse that claimed 4 lives and injury to 5 others and alleged that the reopening of the bridge despite official warning had resulted in it that was preventable.
It also questioned the absence of any work being done in spite of the Centre sanctioning money for its repair.
"The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways sanctioned Rs. 37.66 crores on 28.7.2015. The Union Ministry ordered the State department to complete the bridge construction within 24 months. Whereas, there was no sign of undertaking the project and the consequence of the neglect are the loss of precious lives and the unbearable hardships to be faced by the public from the nearby villages," stated a press release from the organisation.
The organisation also alleged that in 11 months between May 6,2016 and March 31, 2017 the department of R&B had drawn 62 payments with a whopping amount of Rupees 342 crores 22 lakhs and 8 thousand but instead the state is facing the "worst road condition in the history of the state".
"The Minister in charge is answerable to all the above questions." it also stated.
The NTC also urged the State Govt. to have thorough and urgent probe into the incident and "book those who are responsible for the loss of lives."
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has demanded a thorough probe into the collapse of the bridge with a proper befitting action be taken on all those responsible and also demanded immediate compensation for the loss of lives and those injured.
The CNTC also questioned why the construction of the bridge is still not yer started ecven after alapse of two years after the work was sanctioned.
"Mere owing of responsibility in the media is not sufficient enough.
The works which were supposed to begin within a period of four months after the amount was sanctioned and completed within twenty-four months was never started.
To repair the columns of the collapsed bridge an amount of 49 lakhs was also sanctioned but no repair works were done.
The CNTC demands that unless an emergency bridge for the commuters is provided immediately it will take its own course of action," it stated in a press release.
It also criticised the elected member they should not to take charge of these portfolios if they are not capable enough to take up the responsibility.
The CNTC also advised the public to be aware of their rights and to keep themselves updated on the funds allotted in their respective areas and jurisdictions for their utility and welfare and to keep tab on public properties.
The Minister of PWD(Roads and Bridges) Y. Vikheho Swu had on Tuesday owned moral responsibility while offering his condolences to the family of victims of the bridge collapsed on Chathe river that occurred on July 11 and also announced that a departmental enquiry will be initiated.
"As the Minister of the Department, I own moral responsibility for the debacle and express my personal apology to the public for the unpleasant incident. A departmental inquiry shall be initiated in order to find out the details of the failure of the bridge," stated an official communiqué from the Minister.
The minister also stated that he had personally inspected the bridge twice along with the officials of the Department in order to get a first hand information of the state of the bridge and issued necessary instructions to the departmental officers for its strengthening and shed light that money was released during 2015 and that, "rehabilitation works were carried out".
"In view of the deteriorating condition of the bridge, a new RCC T- Beam bridge was sanctioned and work order issued for construction which was to commence after the monsoon. It is a very unfortunate turn of event that has caused loss and injury of precious lives and caused so much of inconvenience to the public and the road users." he further stated.
The Minister also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family members of the deceased and pray for speedy recovery of those injured.
" I also appeal the public to bear with the department till the new bridge is constructed for the said road to become fully operational." he stated.
