Allegations of Irregularities in Rukni River Bridge Construction: Old Iron Painted Over, No Plaque, PWD Remains Unmoved; MP and MLA Inspect the Site

Barak Outlet Report, Dholai, January 30: Member of Parliament Parimal Suklabaidya and MLA Nihar Ranjan Das inspected the ongoing construction work of the bridge over the Rukni River on the Bhaga-Sherkhan Road. On Tuesday night, around 8 PM, they visited the site along with Executive Engineer Sakil Ahmed Laskar of the PWD Dholai-Sonai division. Although their official statements were not available, sources suggest that both the MP and MLA expressed dissatisfaction over alleged irregularities in the construction work.

There have been numerous complaints regarding serious violations of construction norms in the ongoing bridge project over the Rukni River in the Bhaga Bazar area of the Dholai constituency. Allegations state that the construction is being carried out without adhering to departmental guidelines. Additionally, the contractor has not installed an information plaque at the site, keeping the public in the dark about key details such as the project’s funding, the scheme under which it is being executed, and the name of the contractor responsible.

Locals have raised concerns that old iron materials are being reused in the construction. Reports indicate that after the previous bridge collapsed, iron joists, plates, and railings were removed and stored in an unspecified location in Channighat. These old materials were allegedly primed and repainted to appear new before being reinstalled.

Residents fear that under the guise of constructing a new bridge, the contractor and officials may be siphoning off government funds by using old pillars and iron structures while deceiving the public.

Notably, the previous concrete bridge on the Bhaga-Sherkhan Road over the Rukni River collapsed on September 13 at around 8 PM due to excessive load-bearing. Since then, more than 50,000 residents of three Gram Panchayats, along with a significant section of Mizoram’s population, have been facing severe hardships. Authorities had initially planned to build a temporary sub-way for light vehicles to cross the river. However, despite multiple attempts, the department failed to provide even a basic pedestrian crossing. Three makeshift bamboo bridges were constructed, but they were not durable enough for continuous use. Eventually, a wooden and bamboo sub-way was built, but its bamboo roofing has already deteriorated.

Given these circumstances, the late-night inspection of the bridge construction by the MP and MLA, accompanied by the executive engineer, is seen as significant by observers. Many are now keen to see what corrective actions will follow this visit.

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