Naga United Village Council (NUVC) has blamed Diphupar Village Council for the collapse of RCC Steel Girder Bridge (Chathe Bridge), saying the ultimate collapse of the bridge was “due to rampant extraction of sand gravels and boulders by the Diphupar Village Council” as per DVC “public information” dated July 14, 2017 published by local dailies.
In a press statement NUVC chairman, Kuthoku Shijoh and council secretary, K.L Lokho, said the statement read “extraction of sand gravels and boulders from riverbed was done for two reasons, to construct Public roads and fill low laying areas”. It termed the statement as “ridiculous” claiming that extraction was “purely done on business purpose”.
NUVC claimed that it has time and again reminded DVC not to carry out extraction work but added that the latter was adamant and was “forcefully exploiting without any remorse” which NUVC said has led to the collapse of the bridge.
Further, NUVC has appreciated the district administration, state disaster management and the general public for the timely intervention and has also appealed the department to expedite the ongoing work at the fullest for the welfare of the general public.
Meanwhile, the council has also expressed heartfelt condolence to the family members of the four victims who lost their lives due to the collapse of Chathe Bridge and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.