- The pedestrian bridge in Pune collapsed five days after a work order for a new bridge was issued.
- The bridge, built 30 years ago, was intended for farmers but became overcrowded with tourists.
- Four lives were lost in the collapse, and many others were rescued from the river.
The collapse of the 30-year-old pedestrian bridge in a Pune village that claimed four lives, came just five days after a work order was issued for the construction of a new bridge. Had the work order - issued after years of complaints from the villagers -been on time, last week's tragedy would not have taken place, say the locals.
The bridge, built for farmers on the Indrayani river 30 years ago, had become a selfie point in no time. Though its capacity was no more than four to five pedestrians at a time, it was carrying dozens of tourists and two-wheelers.
Alarmed, the locals tried to prod the government into action and at the same time, warn the tourists. But neither course of action succeeded.
Read: "We Knew It Would Collapse": Pune Bridge A Tragedy In The Making
Around 3 pm on Sunday, the bridge came down, claiming four lives. Many others were pulled out of the river in time.
Sources said the demand for a new bridge was placed seven years ago and the approval of Rs 8 crore was also received.
In 2017, local BJP MLA Digambar Bhegade was the first to demand a new bridge in place of the accident-hit bridge. After completing the inspection and design work, approval of Rs 8 crore for the new bridge was received in 2024 -- seven years after the demand.
But the work order was issued on June 10 -- a delay that many blame on officials.
Read: "We Fell On Stones, Some Swept Away": Survivor Recounts Pune Bridge Collapse
"The process could have been faster. It took a lot of time. We were serious, but the officials were not serious. Also, this is a military area, there are always restrictions here," said Ravindra Bhegade, a local leader of the BJP.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said he has asked the local officials for an "update". "Approval has been received to build the bridge at a cost of Rs 8 crore. I have asked the collector for an update, he will give detailed information," he said.
Shiv Sena UBT's Sanjay Raut questioned if Ajit Pawar, as the guardian minister of Pune, will take responsibility for the accident.
"In Pune district, a bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed, in which more than 100 people were swept away in the water. Out of them, 40 people are still missing. This is a major tragedy. Ajit Pawar is the guardian minister of Pune. The government had already sanctioned Rs 8 crore for the construction and repair of this bridge, but due to a lack of funds in the government treasury, the work could not begin... Will he take responsibility for the accident?" he said.
