Maharashtra Govt Orders All Civic Bodies To Conduct Structural Audits Of All Bridges, Buildings
Maharashtra Govt Orders All Civic Bodies To Conduct Structural Audits Of All Bridges, Buildings
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune | July 1, 2025
In the wake of the tragic collapse of an iron bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune on June 15, which claimed four lives and injured over 50 tourists, the Maharashtra Urban Development Department has directed all urban local bodies across the state to immediately conduct structural audits of all bridges and buildings under their jurisdiction.
The directive, issued via a Government Resolution (GR) on Monday, emphasizes the urgent need for safety checks, especially at tourist hotspots and religious sites, where large crowds increase the risk of accidents involving ageing or weakened infrastructure.
“Maintenance and repair responsibilities for such structures lie with the respective urban bodies, whether constructed through government or local funds,” said Sachin Sahasrabuddhe, deputy secretary of the Urban Development Department. He stressed that urban local bodies must act swiftly to identify and secure dilapidated bridges and buildings to prevent any potential loss of life or property.
Funds for infrastructure projects are regularly allocated under various government schemes. However, it is the duty of the civic authorities to ensure their upkeep through timely inspections and maintenance.
The June 15 incident occurred in Kundamala, a less-known tourist site near Talegaon Dabhade in Maval taluka, approximately 30 km from Pune. Over 150 tourists were on the bridge at the time of the collapse.
Reacting to the government’s latest move, civic activist and AAP leader Vijay Kumbhar criticized the delayed action. “Why issue such directions now when rules and safety protocols already exist? Every construction has a defect liability period, and yet authorities act only after lives are lost,” he said.
The new directive is seen as a response to public outcry and an attempt to enforce accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
