Bridge Collapse in West Bengal's Cooch Behar District Sparks Political Controversy
A bridge collapsed on Friday morning in Sitalkuchi, located in the Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, while a goods-laden dumper was crossing it, according to official reports. The incident occurred when a portion of the bridge gave way with a loud noise, leaving the vehicle stranded in a precarious position.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The bridge at Baromashia Debnathpara serves as a crucial link, connecting Debnathpara New Market with Baromashia over a local river. Fortunately, the driver of the dumper was successfully rescued from the scene and received primary medical treatment, with authorities confirming that there were no casualties in the mishap.
Local residents expressed concerns about the bridge's condition, with one stating, "This bridge is at least 25 to 30 years old and poorly maintained. Heavy vehicles use it regularly. We had feared an accident for a long time." This highlights longstanding issues with infrastructure maintenance in the area.
Political Fallout and Accusations
The collapse has triggered a heated political exchange between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya took to social media platform X to comment, saying, "This bridge in Sitalkuchi is a stark symbol of what 'cut money' culture under Mamata Banerjee has done to West Bengal… This is not development. This is decay driven by corruption."
In response, TMC leader Debangshu Bhattacharya Dev countered the allegations, stating, "How can the TMC get 'cut money' from a bridge built during the Left regime? Can BJP answer how many bridges collapsed in Gujarat and Bihar in the past 1–2 years made by their double engine 'space technology?" This back-and-forth underscores the intense political rivalry in the state.
Connectivity Concerns Ahead of Madhyamik Exams
Residents have raised alarms about potential connectivity issues, particularly with the upcoming Madhyamik exams. They warn that if no alternative route or temporary bridge is arranged promptly, students and locals could face significant disruptions. This adds urgency to the situation, as educational activities and daily commutes might be severely impacted.
Administrative Response and Ongoing Assessments
Senior administrative officials reached the collapse site shortly after the incident to assess the damage and coordinate response efforts. Authorities are currently examining the bridge's structural condition and exploring temporary arrangements to ensure connectivity for local residents. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the immediate fallout and prevent further inconveniences.
The bridge collapse in Cooch Behar not only highlights infrastructure challenges but also brings to the fore political tensions and community concerns, making it a multifaceted issue that requires swift and effective resolution.
