New Policy Requires NOC from Govt for Bridge Design and Structure | Patna News – Times of India
Patna: The state govt has introduced a new policy framework aimed at preventing bridge collapses. On Monday, state water resources department (WRD) minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary announced that all departments involved in bridge construction will now have to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the WRD regarding the design and structure of the bridge before commencing work.This requirement applies to bridges over rivers, rivulets or canals.
Chaudhary told reporters a permanent process has been established and codified in a standard operating procedure (SOP) that will guide all relevant departments. This SOP will be used by both govt departments and private agencies engaged in bridge construction. The key departments affected by this policy include the road construction department (RCD), rural works department (RWD), panchayati raj department and the WRD itself, which acts as the nodal agency.
Earlier, departments would merely seek an NOC from the WRD, which was often a one-time procedure. The new policy requires that the WRD assess and approve the structure and design of the bridge before construction begins.
The new policy and SOP were prompted by the collapse of 15 bridges in June-July across six districts — Araria, Kishanganj, Madhubani, East Champaran, Saran, and Siwan. Also, a small bridge in Paharpur village, Vaishali district, collapsed recently due to flood damage sustained four years ago.
Chaudhary said previous bridge collapses were often due to silt removal around bridge pillars, which weakened the earth supporting the pillars.
“The silt did not reach beyond the NSL, leading to instability. The new policy aims to prevent such failures by ensuring that bridge foundations rest on stable natural soil,” he said.
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