Morbi: Collapse Of Trust & Faith In Governance
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By Our Editorial Team
First publised on 2022-11-01 03:15:25
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The India Commentary view
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As more details emerge from the deal to handover the repair and maintenance of the ill-fated footbridge in Morbi in Gujarat to a private firm, it is clear that the deal was disadvantageous to the government and the firm cut corners to save costs resulting in the tragedy. In the event, more than 134 people have lost their lives and the BJP is facing a huge crisis just months before the elections in the state.
The deal between the civic body and the private firm reportedly barred government interference, giving the latter a free hand. It is being reported that patchwork repairs were done (with some reports even suggesting that the old, worn-down wires were not replaced properly), the load factor was not ascertained and clearance certificate not obtained before the bridge was reopened for the public.
These, and several other anomalies, point to the fact that everything was wrong in the way the deal was conducted. The government must fix accountability. Action must be taken not only against the private firm but also against civic authorities who sanctioned such a deal and allowed the bridge to be reopened without proper checks.
The tragedy also raises the question whether leaving infrastructure development to elected local bodies is wise as long as such bodies are not capable and strong enough to manage it. As in all other deals, the corruption angle also needs to be probed. With the Prime Minister taking a personal interest in the matter, it can be hoped that the culprits will be nailed. But it is necessary to make systemic changes to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated anywhere in the country. For, the collapse of the footbridge has led to the collapse of trust & faith in good governance.
