The collapse of the bridge and the resulting fatalities only go to prove that governments across the country are failing at proper governance. The bridge that collapsed in Mahad was built during the British era. That in itself qualifies it to be inspected and tests carried out to guage whether using it makes sense. The fact that a newer bridge exists right next to it should have meant that the local authorities either shut down the old bridge or declare that only light vehicles travel on it. Allowing buses and trucks that weigh tonnes to cross a raging river on a decades-old bridge smacks of blind governance. The collapsed bridge was almost 90 years ago and should have been shut or downgraded when the second bridge was completed in 2001. This is where governments need to start looking at the safety of their voters. It s not just necessary to build new roads and create more spaces for residential and commercial usage but also to look at how the day to day lives of the people can be bettered. In failing to note the danger that this bridge posed, the Maharashtra government and their local representative needs to be held responsible.
