At a time when the most-pressing challenge for Arunachal Pradesh is to create public-utility infrastructures in as little time as possible, collapse of the under-construction Bailey bridge over Kumey river in Tali Administrative Circle of Kra Daadi district will come as a dampener. What is strange is that it’s for the second time the bridge has collapsed and that too within less than two years since the first fall. Expectedly, discontent is rising among all sections of people and it’s vital that a fair enquiry be launched immediately to dig out the true reasons. Since the bridge was in the process of making and there was no movement of civilians at the time of mishap, casualties have been avoided. However, it has once again brought to the fore the seemingly unending issue of ‘quality of works’ which continues to remain the Achilles heel for the state.

From the history of the bridge, especially the part relating to the first fall, one can gather an idea that it was all due to natural calamity and the matter evoked limited discussion. The importance of the bridge for remote Kra Daadi is immense as it will facilitate smooth communication and connect Tali ADC headquarters and is thus viewed as the would-be lifeline of the district. It’s solely for this reason the state government sanctioned funds for yet another time despite the first hiccup. However, most unfortunately, taxpayers’ money have been wasted for a further time and besides the financial loss, it’s the air of suspicion that has now thickened that will be hard to counter by the stakeholders. Scores of projects, both Centrally-funded and those by the state are currently being executed and the talks that frequently hover over their qualitative aspects will amplify. As of now, ‘movements’ on part of the involving departments such as the PWD can be noticed with launching of an enquiry. This must come to an early conclusive end with sharing of details of the outcome on public domain and booking of erring stakeholders. It’s only through this the state can send the message that it really believes and practices the idea of clean governance. Strict action will also send the much-needed signal to all stakeholders typically engaged in all ongoing construction processes in the state that quality should mandatorily be a first priority. This should remain applicable for all projects in Arunachal where ‘specialised technical finesse’ in terms of design, materials and other associated aspects are vital given the challenging topography.

For a state that relies heavily on Central funds for taking its developmental curve upwards, the collapse is loss to the exchequer. More vigil on the part of government is needed to avoid such repetitions.