'Shaky' temporary bridges put Maha Kumbh pilgrims at peril

Temporary bridges built for devotees reaching Haridwar for the holy baths have begun collapsing. The Maha Kumbh — held once every 12 years — will conclude on Chaitra Purnima observed on April 27, this year. A temporary bridge collapsed recently at a crematorium ground in Haridwar's Khadki, rendering it entirely unusable for the devotees. With the collapse of the bridge, local people and religious tourists have raised questions about the quality of construction by the State' Public Works Department (PWD). Kumbh Mela magistrate Deepak Rawat said he has taken cognizance of the matter and has instructed the PWD officials to visit the spot. He added that the bridge was only supposed to function as a temporary bridge to help devotee cross the water bodies on foot.