Documents accessed by India Today TV reveal that between April and August, the CMO issued multiple advisories and said the repair works must be carried out urgently. (Photo: Reuters)

Could the Majerhat bridge collapse in Kolkata that killed three people be avoided? Did the West Bengal government ignore specific advisories sent by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's office asking them to ensure all bridges in the state are repaired ahead of Monsoon?

Documents accessed by India Today TV reveal that between April and August, the CMO issued multiple advisories and said the repair works must be carried out urgently.

On July 5, exactly two months before the Majerhat bridge collapsed in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee had sounded an alarm ordering a comprehensive audit of all bridges across the state, keeping in mind the onset of monsoon.

"With the onset of monsoon, it would be appropriate to undertake a quick review of the conditions of all bridges, flyovers, embankments, irrigation dams etc. throughout the state. All departments concerned must carry out necessary audit of the conditions of all these structures so that they remain stable and no untoward incidents take place," Banerjee had instructed the Public Works Department (PWD).

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Following the order, the next day state PWD Secretary Arnab Ray directed all zonal chief engineers to inspect bridges and flyovers under their jurisdiction and submit their reports by July 13.

In his note Ray said: "During inspection if it is seen that any structure requires immediate repair, then necessary corrective actions for taking up the repair and restricting traffic on the bridge and flyover should be taken."

Earlier in April, the PWD had invited tenders for carrying out surface repair works of the Majerhat bridge. The note issued in this regards by the office of PWD executive engineer of Alipore division said, "The work is urgent in nature and the agency entrusted for it shall have to complete the work within the stipulated time without any failure."

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The terms and conditions of the note said the work shall be executed and all materials shall be approved by the PWD.

These documents show that PWD was not only responsible for the upkeep of the bridge, but was completely aware of its dire condition. Despite this, no contractor was chosen for the repair work.

Sources say only routine patch works was done and the bridge was cleared for public use.

Finally, on August 10, PDW Secretary Roy issued another instruction to his department highlighting the need to "enhance the appearance and look" of all bridges. The order said the appearance of bridges and culverts in the state are not up to the mark. It was ordered that all bridges and culverts should be painted after carrying out necessary repairs.

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