DC serves notice to NHAI and PWD over bridge safety concerns in Dakshina Kannada

DC serves notice to NHAI and PWD over bridge safety concerns in Dakshina Kannada

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, August 11, 2024: On Saturday, August 10, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, M.P. Mullai Muhilan, issued show-cause notices to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Public Works Department (PWD) for failing to submit reports on the stability and safety of bridges within the district’s highways.

The notices were directed to the Director of the NHAI’s Mangaluru Project Office and the Executive Engineer of the PWD in Dakshina Kannada. In the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner mandated that the departments submit the required reports within 24 hours.

During a meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner to discuss road safety and bridge stability, it was revealed that the departments had been previously instructed to provide these crucial reports for national and state highways as well as major district roads. However, they had yet to comply. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the district administration would not compromise on the safety of bridges and roads.

The Deputy Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction that the NHAI’s Project Director was unable to provide a clear timeline for the completion of the new bridge across the Phalguni River, as construction has stalled. Additionally, no actions have been taken to strengthen the stability of the two older bridges currently in use, he noted.

A recent meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority had already instructed the concerned departments to conduct a joint survey with local bodies and the police to assess the stability of the bridges. Despite this, the reports were still not submitted.

Dakshina Kannada ZP CEO Dr Anandh K, SP Yathish N, DCP Dinesh Kumar, additional DC Santhosh Kumar G, and others were present.