Pune's district administration has issued a strict deadline, demanding comprehensive action-taken reports from all local authorities by the end of December regarding hundreds of bridges and public structures deemed unsafe or in need of urgent repairs. This directive comes as a critical follow-up to the tragic Kundmala bridge collapse in June, which resulted in four fatalities and 51 injuries.
Directive Follows Tragic Bridge Collapse
The move was triggered by the catastrophic failure of the 30-year-old Kundmala iron bridge over the Indrayani river on June 15. The collapse occurred while approximately 100-125 tourists were present, leading to a significant loss of life and highlighting the severe risks posed by ageing infrastructure. In response, District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority Chairman Jitendra Dudi convened an urgent meeting on June 17, ordering a widespread structural audit of all bridges, culverts, and related public structures across the district's jurisdictions.
Widespread Infrastructure Vulnerabilities Uncovered
Initial audit data has revealed alarming numbers of vulnerable structures. According to official figures, a total of 207 bridges under various departments require repairs, while a staggering 302 structures have been classified as outright dangerous. The breakdown shows the irrigation department, managing 332 structures, has the most critical list with 73 needing repairs and 241 deemed dangerous. The Pune Zilla Parishad audited 5,518 rural structures, finding 89 repairable and 58 dangerous.
Despite the early order for audits, the district administration noted a lack of formal compliance. "Despite reminders in June and July, no formal action-taken reports were submitted," a senior district official revealed. Consequently, on November 25, formal directives were issued under the Central Disaster Management Act, 2005, setting a firm month-end deadline. The letters warned that delays in addressing this vulnerable infrastructure pose serious public safety risks and stressed that repairable structures must be fixed immediately, while dangerous ones should be demolished without delay.
Department-Wise Compliance and Action Plans
Key departments have now begun outlining their compliance strategies. The Public Works Department (PWD), responsible for 794 structures, identified three needing repairs and one as dangerous. A PWD official stated that action plans are being finalized for submission. Within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, 38 out of 99 reviewed structures need repairs, with two categorized as dangerous. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) reported only four bridges requiring repairs.
"Each authority has structures that either need to be repaired or demolished. We have sought updates on progress, and all departments must submit their reports by month-end," stated Collector Jitendra Dudi. Copies of the directive have also been sent to the Pune divisional commissioner for oversight, ensuring accountability at higher levels. District disaster management officials confirmed that the administration will monitor compliance closely to prevent any further tragedies stemming from infrastructure failure.
