Sand mining caused crack in bridges, says G Sudhakaran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cracks that occurred on Enathu bridge on MC road were due to  sand mining as per the expert committee report.    PWD Minister G. Sudhakaran has asked the  officials to submit a report on the condition of over 2000 bridges in the state to carry out  maintenance work. He has  asked the Vigilance wing of his department to inquire into the weakness  of the Enathu bridge.  A deputy chief engineer (Vigilance) will study any flaw in the construction and fix the responsibility. 

A decision on a probe by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau would be taken after the report of the departmental probe is received.  The  maintenance work on the Enathu bridge would be completed within six months. “Four pillars will be constructed around the faulty pillar   for repair work.  Rs 500 crore would be required towards  maintenance of bridges which will be included in the budget,”  he said. The work on  Enathu bridge that  connects  Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts on the MC road began on Wednesday. Prof. Aravindan who also attended the press meet with PWD minister, said that the existing pier of Enathu bridge will be repaired within six months