In the case of Morbi Bridge collapse on 30^th October which resulted in the death of 135 people, Morbi Nagar Palika on Thursday put all the blame on the Ajanta Manufacturing Ltd (Oreva group) saying it not only opened the bridge for the public sans approval but also without scientific testing of its sustainability and fitness.

The affidavit, filed through Naran Kalabhai Muchhar, In-charge Chief Officer of Morbi Nagar Palika, further states that the Morbi Nagar Palika was not even informed about the kind of repairing work undertaken by the company. Also, the company did not provide any independent third-party certificate/s relating to material testing, structure fitness, holding Capacity and fitness, and stability of the Suspension Bridge.

In order to investigate the tragic accident, Gujarat High Court initiated a suo motu proceedings in the case.

Though the period of the aforesaid Memorandum of Understanding had expired on 15.08.2017, the Suspension Bridge continued to be maintained and managed by the Company, in absence of any new agreement.

The official stated that according to the new agreement between Morbi Nagar Palika and the Oreva group signed on March 8, it is entirely for Ajanta to look after all the administration functions, including the appointment of staff, cleanliness, maintenance, ticket booking, collection and accounts of expenses, wherein there will not be any interference from the Nagar Palika, Corporation or any other government agency.

The affidavit was filed pursuant to the High Court's stern remarks made earlier today asking the Civic body to file its counter or pay the cost of Rs. 1 Lakh. A bench of Chief Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Ashutosh J Shastri earlier today orally asked the Body to stop taking this matter casually and to file the reply/counter affidavit by 4:30 pm today or pay 1 lakh cost.

Image source: Indian Express