A makeshift bridge constructed at the site of the collapsed one. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

July 1: The inquiry of the public works department (PWD) into the circumstances leading to the June 4 Pandughat bridge collapse has found deficiencies in the monitoring system as the main reason for the mishap that claimed two lives.

PWD insiders said the departmental inquiry, conducted by chief engineer (roads) H. Dutta, who submitted a report yesterday, attributed the mishap largely to negligence on the part of the personnel associated with the project, both contractors and officials.

Though both Dutta and PWD commissioner A.P. Borgohain declined to comment on the findings, saying it was confidential, insiders claimed that the detailed report calls for a foolproof monitoring system that covers both the personnel and contractors of the PWD.

“We have a good monitoring system, but that, too, needs to be toned up. The report also calls for verifying the antecedents of a contractor. The PWD is looking into the matter and steps will be initiated soon to plug the loopholes,” a source said.

Borgohain said, “After going through this report and the one submitted earlier by the PWD secretary, we will draw up proceedings against our personnel involved and submit our findings to the personnel department. We have taken serious note of the problem and beyond that we cannot say anything at the moment.” Three PWD officials were suspended and the contractor blacklisted on the basis of the secretary’s report.

The report of the magisterial inquiry ordered by the district administration will be submitted on July 5 instead of June 21. Sub-divisional officer (civil) C.K. Bhuyan, who is heading the inquiry, said the submission of the report was delayed because of unavailability of documents from the PWD. “The department will submit the documents today, upon which we can complete our report,” Bhuyan said. He said the report would look into the genuine causes of the accident and would be submitted to the deputy commissioner.

Though Gauhati High Court on Wednesday granted bail to PWD assistant executive engineer Anada Prasad Sharma, it rejected the bail petition of PWD engineer Govind Singh. Another PWD engineer Ajay Kumar Pathak also secured anticipatory bail from the court.

The court had also rejected the bail petition of sub-contractor Rajib Das. Main contractor .P. More and two other sub-contractors, Mukesh and Mahesh Garodia, are still absconding.