Morbi bridge: The Gujarat High Court today slammed the state government over the manner in which the contract was awarded for renovation of the Morbi bridge that collapsed on October 30. Over 130 people were killed in the incident.
“Why was the tender for the repair work of a public bridge not floated? Why weren’t bids invited?” asked Chief Justice Aravind Kumar the Chief Secretary during the hearing that began just before noon. The hearing was still going on.
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15-year contract
The Morbi municipality had given the 15-year contract to Oreva Group, makers of Ajanta brand of wall clocks.
“How was an agreement for such an important work completed in just one and a half pages?” the Chief Justice commented. “Was the largesse of the state given to Ajanta company without any tender being floated?” the court further observed.
Pointed questions
It pointedly asked for the basis on which the bridge was being operated by the company after June 2017 “even when (the contract signed in 2008) was not renewed after 2017”.
The court had taken note of the tragedy on its own and sought replies from six departments. Chief Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Ashutosh J Shastri are hearing the matter.
So far, only some staff of the contracted company have been arrested, while the top management, which signed the ₹ 7-crore pact, has not faced action, nor have any officers been held accountable for the 150-year-old bridge having been reopened ahead of the renovation schedule.
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