Himachal CM orders probe into bridge collapse

Shimla, March 19 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday ordered a high-level inquiry into the collapse of a crucial bridge in the Lahaul Valley, located on the strategically important Manali-Leh highway, within five months of its inauguration.

Replying to a calling attention motion by Congress member Ravi Thakur, the chief minister informed the assembly that a chief engineer of the public works department has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the collapse of the bridge in Mooling, around 13 km from district headquarters Keylong.

"Disciplinary action would be initiated against the officials or the contractor, if they are found guilty. Efforts will be made to reconstruct it on priority," he said.

The chief minister said the public works department secretary would also visit the spot to review the situation. The bridge was constructed at a cost of Rs.4.5 crore.

BJP member Govind Thakur, who also gave the calling attention motion notice, said the bridge was inaugurated in October 2014.

He said officials of the Border Roads Organisation, a wing of the ministry of defence, should also be involved in the inquiry for their expertise in building bridges.