Gujarat’s Cycle of Tragedy: When ‘Strict Action’ Is Just a Phrase

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – Gujarat has witnessed major accidents in the last six years, claiming lives,  and unfortunately, the negligence and inaction of the administration is to be blamed every time.. From the collapse of joyries to burning hospitals, bridge collapse to tuition class fire, a disturbing lack of accountability persists, exposing systemic negligence of the administration that could have easily been avoided. The latest Gambhira bridge tragedy, which claimed 11 lives, is a latest example of how promises of reform rarely translate into tangible safety measures. 

Major accidents of the past and the administration’s ‘strict measures’

Let’s look at some major incidents that happened before the Gambhira Bridge accident in Gujarat, where the administration only gave orders to take strict action.

Kankaria Ride Accident (2019):

A few people died and many were injured when a joyride collapsed at Kankaria Amusement Park in Ahmedabad. This incident raised serious questions about the maintenance and safety standards of the ride. Even then, strict action was assured against those responsible.

Surat Takshashila Fire (2019):

A fire in Surat’s Taxila Arcade resulted in the tragic deaths of 22 students. Fire safety rules were completely violated in the building in this incident. Even after this fire, there was talk of strict implementation of fire safety rules.

Bharuch Hospital Fire (2021)

Bharuch Welfare Hospital, which was a dedicated hospital for Covid-19 patients. A total of 18 people, including at least 16 Covid-19 patients and 2 nurses, died in this fire. The fire broke out in the hospital’s COVID-19 ward. The exact cause of the fire was not clearly announced, but questions were raised about fire safety rules and electrical faults. After this incident, orders were given to conduct fire safety audits and follow strict rules in hospitals across the state.

Ahmedabad Shreyas Hospital Fire Incident (2020):

During the Covid pandemic, fires in hospitals in Bharuch and Ahmedabad killed patients. These incidents exposed the shortcomings in fire safety in hospitals, and investigations and action were ordered in both cases.

Morbi Suspension Bridge Tragedy (2022):

More than 130 people died when the historic suspension bridge over the Machhu river in Morbi collapsed, a horrific tragedy. Widespread negligence in the repair and maintenance of the bridge was clearly visible. Even after this tragedy, a large-scale investigation and strict action were ordered.

Vadodara Harni Boat Tragedy (2024):

Many innocent children and teachers died when a boat carrying school children capsized in Vadodara’s Harni Lake. Overcrowding, lack of life jackets, and violation of safety rules were the main reasons for this tragedy. The government had also announced strict action in this matter.

Rajkot Game Zone Tragedy (2024):

More than 30 people lost their lives in a massive fire in a TRP game zone in Rajkot. It was revealed that this game zone was running illegally and did not follow any fire safety rules. Even after this tragedy, strict action has been ordered at game zones and such places across the state.

Gambhira Bridge Tragedy on Mahisagar River (July 2025):

The Gambhira Bridge between Padra-Jambusar in Vadodara collapsed, killing 11 people and sending several vehicles into the river. Questions are being raised about the maintenance and quality of this bridge, and once again there is talk of taking ‘strict action’.

Do ‘strict action’ remain only on paper?

A pattern can be seen in all these tragedies. An incident happens, the system is caught sleeping, dead bodies pile up, the opposition attacks, and finally the government gives assurances of “strict action” and “precautions to prevent such incidents from happening in the future”. But the question is, are these strict measures really taken? Are those responsible permanently punished? And most importantly, are any lessons learned from these incidents and concrete steps taken to prevent such tragedies in the future?