Pune, 14 July 2025: At the inauguration of the Professional Structural Engineers’ Association held on Sunday in Pune, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed deep concern over the frequent incidents of collapsing buildings and bridges in Maharashtra. Referring to a recent bridge collapse in Kundmala, Maval taluka, he said such incidents raise serious questions about accountability. “Despite being the world’s third-largest economy, our infrastructure is still failing. Who is responsible for this?” he asked.
Drawing comparisons with British-era constructions in Mumbai and Pune, Pawar pointed out that many of those buildings and bridges are still standing strong after more than a hundred years. “Those structures were built by Indians and only maintained by the British.
If they could achieve such quality then, why can’t we do it now with all the modern technology at our disposal?” he questioned. He criticized the current approach of simply demolishing 40-year-old buildings instead of maintaining or reinforcing them.
Pawar emphasized that structural engineering is not just a technical profession but a field that directly impacts public safety and the quality of life. “The buildings we live in, the bridges we use, and all our daily infrastructure rely on structural engineering. It is the foundation of our development,” he stated. He encouraged engineers to embrace innovation and take responsibility for building safer, long-lasting structures.
Highlighting the legacy of Pune as a hub of education and engineering, Pawar called for the city to lead in setting standards for structural integrity and sustainable design. He stressed the importance of using new technologies and prioritizing durability and environmental protection in construction practices. “Sustainable development should not be a choice, it must be a priority,” he said.
Concluding his speech, Pawar reiterated that the role of structural engineers goes beyond technical drawings and calculations. They lay the foundation for a safer and more secure society. "We need professionals who build not just structures, but trust in our infrastructure," he said, calling for a cultural shift in how the public and government approach engineering and urban development.