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Selja demands action on hazardous canal bridges after fatal accident

The lack of safety barriers on canal bridges in Sirsa and Fatehabad districts has become a major hazard, leading to fatal accidents. A recent tragedy near Sardarewala village in Fatehabad claimed 12 lives when a vehicle plunged into the Bhakra...
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The lack of safety barriers on canal bridges in Sirsa and Fatehabad districts has become a major hazard, leading to fatal accidents. A recent tragedy near Sardarewala village in Fatehabad claimed 12 lives when a vehicle plunged into the Bhakra Canal, highlighting the dangerous condition of these unprotected bridges.

Numerous bridges over the Bhakra Canal lack essential safety features like railings, reflectors and proper signage, leaving travellers vulnerable. Many bridges are dilapidated, with missing or broken safety walls, making them accident-prone, particularly in deep canal areas frequently crossed by locals.

One alarming example is the Sirhind Canal bridge near Lohgarh village in Sirsa, which lacks railings entirely. Similarly, the Peer Khera Canal bridge in the Odhan area has broken railings and despite repeated complaints, no substantial action has been taken by the authorities.

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Ravi Kumar, a local resident, expressed frustration over the absence of safety measures, saying, “These canals are extremely dangerous, especially for passing vehicles. The lack of railings and warnings forces people to take unnecessary risks. These accidents could have been avoided with basic safety infrastructure.”

The crisis has now drawn the attention of Kumari Selja, Member of Parliament from Sirsa, who has written to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, demanding immediate intervention. In her letter, she emphasised the urgent need for railings, reflectors and proper signage to prevent further tragedies.

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Selja has urged the formation of a survey team to identify unsafe canal bridges and recommended immediate installation of necessary safety measures. She has also called for financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh for the families of the victims and strict action against negligent officials responsible for these unsafe conditions.

Following the Sardarewala tragedy, authorities have begun placing sand-filled bags inside iron boxes as a temporary safety measure on the Bhakra Canal bridge. The move comes after long-standing public demands for safety enhancements.

Jagdish Chandra, SDM, Ratia, directed the Irrigation Department to install safety walls or railings. In response, officials filled sandbags into iron rod boxes, forming a makeshift protective barrier.

While locals appreciate the temporary measures, they insist on permanent railings and signage to prevent future disasters.

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