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Key Points

An iron bridge in Asansol collapsed, disrupting water supply to 52 villages. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul inspected the site and blamed sand smuggling for weakening the structure. The incident severed a critical PHE pipeline, raising concerns over water access. Paul accused the Mamata Banerjee government of negligence in maintenance.

Key Points: Asansol Iron Bridge Collapse Disrupts Water Supply to 52 Villages

  • Iron bridge over Damodar River collapses in Asansol
  • No casualties reported but water supply disrupted
  • BJP MLA blames sand smuggling for structural damage
  • PHE pipeline serving 52 villages now severed
2 min read

WB: Iron bridge in Asansol collapses, no casualties reported

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul blames sand smuggling for Asansol bridge collapse, cutting off water supply to 52 villages.

"This is a man-made disaster... sand smuggling is occurring here, causing the pillars to loosen. – Agnimitra Paul"

Asansol, July 23

An iron bridge over the Damodar River in West Bengal's Asansol collapsed on Wednesday.

The incident occurred in the Kalajharia area. The Public Health Engineering Department's main pipeline and the main water pipeline to the city passed through this bridge.

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul inspected the site and confirmed that no casualties occurred during the incident.

The BJP leader claimed that one of the reasons behind the bridge collapse is the sand smuggling that has been happening in the region.

"A major incident has taken place in my Assembly constituency. Nobody died in the incident. But the PHE pipeline passed through this bridge, through which water was supplied by the PHE to 4 blocks. This water was supplied to 52 villages. But today, the front portion of the bridge collapsed and fell into the river... Now, how will these 52 villages and 4 blocks get water? ...This is a matter of concern for me. But this is a man-made disaster. PHE should have monitored this and maintained this... Additionally, sand smuggling is occurring here, causing the pillars of this bridge to loosen... Mamata Banerjee should have seen this... This water crisis that will not take place is due to Mamata Banerjee," the BJP leader said.

Further details awaited.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Sand mafia strikes again! This has become a common problem across India. The government needs to take strict action against illegal sand mining which weakens our infrastructure. Hope water supply is restored soon for those villages.
A
Agnimitra Paul
As the local MLA, I've been raising this issue for months. The administration ignored warnings about the bridge's condition. Now 52 villages suffer. This is sheer negligence by PHE department. Immediate action needed!
P
Priyanka N
Instead of blaming games, all parties should work together to solve the water crisis. People are suffering while politicians fight. We need solutions, not politics! 😠
V
Vikram M
This bridge was built in 1980s I think. Many such old structures across India need urgent inspection. Our infrastructure is aging but maintenance budgets keep getting cut. Recipe for disaster!
K
Kavya N
My relatives live in one of those villages. They're having to walk 3km to fetch water now. Authorities should arrange water tankers immediately while repairs happen. Basic necessities shouldn't become luxury!

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