(a) whether the Government has ordered a Judicial Inquiry into the tragic incident of Daman Bridge Collapse where 28 innocent school children lost their lives;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) whether the inquiry has since been completed;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the follow-up action taken thereon; and
(e) if not, the reasons for delay and the steps taken to check such incidents in future?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S. REGHUPATHY )
(a) to (e): It has been decided to appoint a Commission of Inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, headed by a retired Judge of the High Court with its Headquarters at Daman, for the purpose of making an inquiry into the matters connected with the collapse of the bridge. The appointment of this Commission of Inquiry has not been, however, notified as a retired judge of a High Court willing to head the Commission has not so far been selected. The matter is expected to be finalized shortly.
In the meantime, the Daman & Diu Administration have carried out inspections of all the bridges and causeways in the Union territory and taken/initiated appropriate steps to ensure the safety of these structures. The collapsed bridge itself has been restored for use of pedestrian and light motor vehicle traffic.