Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and chief of the Nationalist Congress Party Ajit Pawar on Sunday raised concerns over recent instances of the collapse of bridges and buildings across the country even as India claims to be on track to become the world's third largest economy 2030.
"We have said that we will be the third largest economy, and that is true. But what about our buildings and bridges collapsing while we become the third largest economy? Who is responsible for that?" Pawar said, addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Professional Structural Engineers Association in Pune.
The remarks by Pawar come on the back of two tragic incidents in as many months. While four people dies when an iron bridge over Indrayani river in Pune collapsed on June 15, at least 20 people were killed after several vehicles fell into the Mahisagar river in Gujarat's Vadodara following the collapse of a 43-year-old bridge on July 9.
Pawar rued how the government still receives updates from British companies which carried out construction of many structures during its colonial rule over the country but are still in use in India.
"Even after 100 years, PWD gets their letters informing us that 'on this date 100 years will be completed and please do not use it for vehicular traffic any more'. We have to make efforts to demolish these bridges," Pawar, whose NCP is part of the ruling alliance in Maharashtra said.
Pawar further said that new construction technologies have come up and should be used to make stronger structures. He, however, rued how PWD officials often ask the government to demolish a 40-year-old building to make a new one.
"How do they make such statements so casually?" Pawar wondered, pointing out how several British-era buildings in Mumbai are in excellent condition despite being very old.
"All this was possible during the British era," he pointed out, highlighting the need to refocus energies on ensuring long-term structural integrity while making new buildings or bridges.
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