Asansol, West Bengal, July 23 (ANI): An iron bridge over the Damodar River in West Bengal’s Asansol collapsed on Wednesday, authorities said. No casualties have been reported.
The incident occurred in the Kalajharia area. The bridge carried the Public Health Engineering Department’s (PHE) main pipeline, which supplied water to the city as well as to four blocks and 52 villages.
BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, who inspected the site, confirmed that no one was injured but expressed concern over the resulting water supply crisis.
“A major incident has taken place in my Assembly constituency. Nobody died in the incident. But the PHE pipeline passed through this bridge, supplying water to 4 blocks and 52 villages. Now, how will these villages get water? This is a matter of concern for me,” she said.
The BJP leader called the collapse a “man-made disaster,” alleging negligence and blaming ongoing sand smuggling in the region for undermining the bridge’s structural integrity.
“PHE should have monitored and maintained this. Additionally, sand smuggling is occurring here, which has loosened the pillars of this bridge. Mamata Banerjee should have addressed this. The water crisis that will now occur is due to Mamata Banerjee,” Paul said.
Further details are awaited as officials assess the damage and begin restoration efforts. (ANI)
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