The recent collapse of a suspension bridge over the Machchu River in Morbi district, Gujarat, tragically claimed the lives of nearly 135 people. The bridge, colloquially known as Jhulta Pul, was constructed in 1877 under the reign of Sir Waghji Thakor of Morbi. It was designed to showcase the progressive and scientific sensibilities of the Morbi rulers.The bridge was officially inaugurated by Richard Temple, the then Bombay Governor, in 1879.
Understanding Suspension Bridges
A suspension bridge is a specific type of bridge where the deck is hung below suspension cables via vertical suspenders. Fundamental structural elements include stiffening girders, two or more main suspension cables, and towers and anchorage for the cables at both ends of the bridge.
The main cables are strung between the towers and attached to either the bridge itself or its anchorage. The vertical suspenders are tasked with supporting the deck’s weight and any loads it carries. The design ensures the load borne by the suspension cables is passed to the towers at the ends, which then transmit them further via vertical compression to the ground through the anchorage cables.
An Overview of the Machchhu River
Starting from Madla hills in the Surendranagar district of Gujarat, the Machchhu river runs its course for 141.75 km before ending in the Rann of Kutch. Numerous tributaries such as Beti, Asoi, Jamburi, Benia, Machchhori, and Maha feed into the Machchhu river. To aid irrigation and combat droughts in Saurashtra, the river is home to two dams.
The Significance of Morbi District
Morbi district holds a significant position in India’s ceramic industry, producing roughly 70% of the country’s ceramics. Moreover, the ceramic tiles created in Morbi are exported to nations across the Middle East, East Asia, and Africa, further accentuating its importance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question
The question from UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021 was:
“Consider the following rivers:
Brahmani
Nagavali
Subarnarekha
Vamsadhara
Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 3”
The correct answer is (b). The Brahmani river originates near the Nagri village in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand, thus not rising from the Eastern Ghats. The Nagavali river begins in the Eastern Ghats near Lakhbahal in the Kalahandi district of Odisha. Subarnarekha river, on the other hand, starts from the Chota Nagpur Plateau near Nagri village in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand. Lastly, the Vamsadhara river originates from the Eastern Ghats of Orissa and ends in the Bay of Bengal near Kalingapatnam.