Introduction:
The collapse of the historic suspension bridge near Morbi, Gujarat, on October 30, 2022, marked a tragic moment in the region's history. Termed the 'Bridge of Death,' the incident, reminiscent of the 1979 Dam-2 collapse on the Machchhu River, resulted in the loss of 135 lives. This article explores the recent bridge collapse, its historical context, and the enduring impact of such calamities on the formative years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Morbi's Historical Significance:
Nestled along the banks of the Machhu River, Morbi holds deep-rooted historical and geographical significance. Post-colonial India, in its quest for economic recovery, identified dams as crucial for development. With agriculture at the heart of the region's economy, irrigation through dams became pivotal. The construction of dams on the Machchu River in 1959 and 1972 symbolized India's aspirations for progress.
However, tragedy struck in 1979 when the Machchu-II dam collapsed during heavy monsoon rains, resulting in one of India's most severe water-related disasters. The city faced a humanitarian crisis, setting the stage for a display of resilience and leadership from organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
1979 Disaster and RSS's Role:
The collapse of the Machchu-II dam in 1979 unleashed a devastating humanitarian crisis in Morbi. Social organizations, particularly the RSS, played a pivotal role in responding to the disaster. Figures like Laxman Rao Inamdar, Keshavrao Deshmukh, Praveenbhai Maniyar, and a young 29-year-old Narendra Modi, then an RSS worker, emerged as key players in relief efforts.
Despite being away in Kerala at the time, Modi orchestrated a comprehensive plan to address the disaster. Mobilizing thousands of workers, he ensured a swift and effective response, showcasing early signs of leadership and crisis management skills. This experience would leave an indelible mark on Modi's approach to governance.
Echoes of 1979 in 2022:
Fast forward to 2022, Morbi faced another calamity with the collapse of a historic suspension bridge. The tragedy claimed 135 lives, exposing vulnerabilities in infrastructure and safety protocols. Eerie parallels to the 1979 disaster emphasized persistent challenges despite decades of development.
The echoes of 1979 resonated in the collective memory of Morbi, underscoring the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure. Modi's experience in the aftermath of the 1979 disaster significantly influenced his approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and a robust disaster management framework.
Victims and Compensation:
The tragedy near Morbi resulted in at least 141 officially declared deaths, with over 180 individuals successfully rescued. Among the victims were women, elderly individuals, and children, including an 18-month-old infant. In response, the Gujarat government announced ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh (US$5,000) for the families of each deceased person and ₹50,000 (US$630) for the injured.
This compensation signifies the government's acknowledgment of the immense loss suffered by affected families, emphasizing its responsibility to provide support during challenging times.
Narendra Modi's Formative Years:
Long before Narendra Modi became a household name, his role in the aftermath of the 1979 Morbi disaster showcased his commitment to public service. As a 29-year-old Rashtriya Swayamsevak worker, Modi, even while away in Kerala, meticulously devised a comprehensive plan to address the unfolding crisis.
During the relief work that spanned 50 consecutive days, he personally managed operations, raising almost 20 lakhs (a substantial amount at the time) for rebuilding homes and restoration work. The Guinness Book of Records recorded the Morbi dam incident as one of the world's "worst dam disasters," acknowledging Modi's practical advice on handling challenging situations.
Modi's proactive approach didn't stop at immediate relief. He used personal connections to gather skilled electricians, technicians, and plumbers for rebuilding efforts. This period marked the inception of disaster management reform in Modi's mind, where he developed the invaluable trait of turning every disaster into an opportunity.
Disaster Management and Governance:
From leading rescue operations to initiating rebuilding measures, the Morbi incident planted the seeds of disaster management reform in Modi's mind. When he later became the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Modi, armed with the power to execute his unique people-first vision, led the redevelopment of earthquake-ravaged Kutch at a record pace.
The experience in Morbi became a cornerstone of Modi's governance philosophy. He transformed challenges into opportunities, demonstrating a people-centric approach that would become a hallmark of his leadership.
Investigation and Accountability:
The collapse of the historic bridge prompted a thorough investigation into its causes and the subsequent loss of lives. Initial reports indicated lapses in the reopening of the bridge after repairs, with the necessary fitness certificate missing. The municipality's chief officer revealed that the private firm overseeing renovations failed to notify local civic authorities, preventing a crucial safety audit.
A forensic report highlighted structural deficiencies, including rusted cables, broken anchors, and loose bolts, rendering the bridge unable to bear the weight of the new heavy flooring. Responding to the incident, the Government of Gujarat established a five-member committee to investigate. Nine individuals linked to the Oreva group, including managers, ticket clerks, contractors, and security guards, were arrested and were under investigation.
A first information report was lodged against the maintenance and management agencies under sections 304, 308, and 114 of the Indian Penal Code. This underscored the imperative need for accountability and corrective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Conclusion:
The collapse of the historic bridge near Morbi serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities in India's infrastructure. The echoes of the 1979 disaster underscore the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure, lessons that significantly influenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to governance.
As investigations unfold and accountability is sought, authorities must not only address immediate lapses but also implement systemic changes to prevent such tragedies. The tragic events near Morbi should galvanize efforts to prioritize safety, invest in infrastructure resilience, and ensure that lessons from history contribute to building a more secure and resilient future for the nation.
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