XEN suspended for shoddy bypass work

Our Correspondent

Abohar, May 16

PWD Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Wednesday suspended XEN Kanwaljit Singh Brar, issued a show-cause notice to Superintending Engineer Malwinder Singh and chargesheeted the subdivisional engineer and junior engineer after samples taken from the Abohar bypass failed the quality test.

Taking serious note of the irregularities in the supervision of the construction of the bypass, Singla said the state government would not compromise on the quality of construction material.

He added that the use of such material could prove fatal. “I will ensure that public money is used in a fair manner. My message to all officials concerned is that roads and bridges are the backbone of a state’s economy and my department will not tolerate any negligence or illegality. Employees need to pull up their socks, be alert and should not compromise when it comes to quality,” the minister said.

The minister, along with Hussan Lal, Secretary, Public Works Department, and a quality control team had inspected the work on the Abohar bypass on May 14.

The team had taken samples of bitumen and tiles laid on the central divider. It was found that most tiles had developed cracks within 10 days. It was observed that no cement mortar was used to place the tiles. Two samples were found to be substandard and fell in the rejected category.

The minister said a detailed investigation was on and necessary action would be taken against the contractor. “Those found guilty will be not spared,” he added.

A resident had raised voice against the use of substandard material on the bypass. On Wednesday, rainwater was seen accumulated on both sides of the divider.