The Kandrour Bridge in Himachal Pradesh, renowned as one of the highest bridges in Asia, has seen a remarkable transformation thanks to the dedicated efforts of IAS officer Mansi Sahay Thakur. Originally completed on June 16, 1965, and situated over the Satlej River in Chhattisgarh, the bridge faced a severe safety issue due to its low railing, which led to a troubling number of suicides.
During her tenure as the Sub-Divisional Officer of Ghumarwin and 2009 batch IAS officer Mansi Sahay Thakur was deeply troubled by the frequent incidents occurring at the Kandraur Bridge. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, she initiated a plan to address this critical issue. When she returned to Bilaspur as District Collector, she pushed for the installation of a 4-foot high net along the bridge to prevent further tragedies.
2009 batch IAS officer Rohan Chand Thakur and Mansi’s husband, recently took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to commend Ms Thakur’s significant contribution. He highlighted the successful outcome of her intervention, noting that the installation of the safety net effectively halted the suicide attempts.
When your work gets remembered even 8 yrs after you leave a district, you know you have made a difference ! Kudos @ManasiSahay for doing what you did, for saving countless lives. An appraisal by the people – the most authentic. @IASatWork @DCsofIndia @hp_tourism pic.twitter.com/o92vWqBxhO
— Rohan Chand Thakur (@RohanChandThak1) August 21, 2024
“Due to Mansi’s proactive measures, we have not witnessed any further unpleasant incidents since the net was installed,” Mr Rohan remarked. The initiative has proven so successful that only one attempt was reported since then, in which a man tried to break through the net but was fortunately saved by passersby.
This story underscores the profound impact that thoughtful and proactive governance can have on public safety. Ms Thakur’s dedication not only saved lives but also stands as a testament to the crucial role of IAS officers in addressing and solving critical social issues.
