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Despite Collector’s Refusal, Morbi Bridge Contract Was Given To Company After Call From Gandhinagar: Report

Morbi Bridge

This bridge in Morbi district, which was opened 5 days ago on the day of the Hindu new year, was closed for renovation for 6 months.

The historic suspension bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi district collapsed Sunday night just five days after its renovation. Over 400 people on the bridge fell into the river. More than 103 people have died due to this tragedy. This bridge, which was opened 5 days ago on the day of the Hindu new year, was closed for renovation for 6 months. It was reopened on October 25. The bridge was renovated at a cost of 2 crores.

This royal suspension bridge of Morbi city was dangerous. There was also a possibility of an accident. Although the bridge was in a bad condition, the administration did not pay heed. As per Gujarat Tak‘s report, the bridge was suddenly handed over to Oreva Group for 15 years after repeated demands. On the other hand, after the renovation, Oreva Group was seeking to make profits. The bridge, as per report, was reopened by the company, on the first day of the Hindu new year without informing the chief officer, municipality or collector or any other local body, or any kind of verification.

Also Read:Know About Oreva Group, The Company At The Centre Of Morbi Bridge Collapse

According to sources, this bridge, owned by the municipality, was closed after the earthquake in 2006-07. However, when a tender was called by the municipality for its renovation, a Mumbai-based company filled a tender of 89 lakhs. Although Oreva had filled a more expensive tender than that, when the call came from Gandhinagar, all orders were handed over to Oreva Group, said Gujarat Tak’s report. Despite the opposition of the District Collector, Oreva Group took up the work including the renovation of this bridge. Since the call came from Gandhinagar, the administration had no choice but to bow down. This decision eventually proved fatal for more than 100 people, the report said.

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Singapore Envoy Saddened Over Deaths Caused In Morbi Bridge Tragedy

ANI
Simon

Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong on Monday condoled the loss of lives after a cable bridge collapsed in Morbi, Gujarat.

New Delhi:  Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong on Monday condoled the loss of lives after a cable bridge collapsed in Morbi, Gujarat.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of many lives due to the collapse of the cable bridge in Morbi, Gujarat. Our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and the injured. Our hearts are with the people of Gujarat,” tweeted Singapore High Commissioner. According to the latest reports, the death toll in the mishap had gone up to 132 on Monday morning. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that a criminal case has been registered in connection with the incident.

Gujarat government announced that a high-powered committee has been set up to investigate the incident of the collapse of the suspension bridge in Morbi district of Gujarat.

“An investigation has begun today under the leadership of Range IGP,” Sanghavi said. Everyone worked all through the night. The Navy, NDRF (National Disaster Relief Force), Air Force and Army arrived at the spot quickly. More than 200 persons have worked the entire night for search and rescue operations,” Sanghavi said.

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Teams including Army, Navy, Air Force, NDRF, and Fire Brigade conducted a search operation throughout the night to rescue people who had fallen into the Macchu river after the bridge collapsed, as per officials.

After the incident, Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Minister of State for Home Affairs Harshbhai Sanghvi, Minister Brijeshbhai Merja, and Minister of State Shri Arvindbhai Raiyani reached the incident spot at midnight and personally observed the rescue operation and gave directions.

Indian Army teams deployed in Morbi, Gujarat carried out search and rescue operations for survivors of the mishap. All three defence services have deployed their teams for search operations. Three Indian Coast Guard teams consisting of divers, equipment, boats and other material have been deployed on-site at Morbi since last night, said Defence Ministry officials.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by HW News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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