In Bihar, 15 engineers of Water Resources and other departments have been suspended, and a construction agency has been blacklisted in connection with the recent collapse of nine bridges in different districts of the state. Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Chaitanya Prasad, said that due to lack of monitoring and precautionary measures by the engineers, the stability of the bridges was not ensured, leading to the collapse of the structures. Mr. Prasad said that payment to the contractor engaged in desiltation work has been put on hold due to carelessness. He stated that responsibility has been assigned and action has been taken for dereliction of duty. Six old bridges have collapsed alone in Saran and Siwan district on 3rd and 4th of this month. Three under construction bridges also collapsed in Araria, East Champaran and Madhubani district last month.