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Muzaffarpur: Muzaffarpur city is facing a growing infrastructure crisis as more than 600 iron barricades, valued at approximately Rs 50 lakh, have been stolen over the past 18 months from various construction sites under the Smart City project.
The thefts, which have continued unchecked, involve barricades used to secure areas undergoing work on sewerage systems and storm water drainage. Most of the missing barricades were taken from sites managed by a construction agency involved in key public infrastructure development, including the “Sewerage System and Underground Main Storm Water Drainage” project.
According to an official from the agency, the barricades—each costing Rs 7,000 to 8,000—were manufactured at a camp site in Daudpur Kothi and bore safety messages. “The barricades are essential to ensure public safety and prevent accidents at construction zones. Their theft poses a serious hazard,” the official said.
The problem isn’t limited to active sites. Barricades placed along the spinal road during drain construction and those stored at camp offices have also vanished. In the absence of proper surveillance, anti-social elements, including addicts and scrap thieves, are believed to be targeting the unguarded locations, often stealing items late at night or in the early morning hours.
In some cases, shopkeepers have reportedly removed barricades from in front of their shops, contributing to the disappearances. Last year, theft cases were filed at the Ahiyapur police station, and a few suspects were arrested, including one caught stealing iron rods from a site in Sikandarpur. However, thefts continue unabated.
Premdev Sharma, Senior Manager at Muzaffarpur Smart City Limited, confirmed receiving multiple complaints. “The repeated theft of barricades is hampering our work and endangering public safety,” he said.
