PWD under lens over poor road quality in Palampur

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, June 15

The Public Works Department is under scanner over the damage caused to roads constructed just a few months ago. Heavy rainfall in the last few days has led to the situation which shows that the PWD has failed to follow the guidelines of the state government to maintain quality in road construction.

Information gathered by The Tribune revealed that a number of roads constructed a few months ago in different divisions of PWD in Palampur have washed away in first showers of monsoons. Even the cemented roads built under new technology have failed to bear the load of mini trucks, tempos and have developed cracks.

Most of the roads have been constructed under the Centrally sponsored road projects like Pardhan Mantri Gramin Sarak Yojna (PMGSY), National Agriculture Bank for Rural Development (NABARD) and Central Road Fund (CRF). Interestingly, as per clause of award letters, the contractor are bound to maintain these roads and keep it in good working conditions for three to five years. However, these road could not survive even for six months.

The Thamba Sulaha – Pharehar road constructed recently is in bad shape. This road is yet to be inaugurated. The road was washed away in the first showers of monsoon at many points. Likewise, newly laid Raipur Saloh road has started to wear out and needs attention of the authorities. The residents of nearby areas have complained to the PWD but in vain. Likewise, the patch work done on the Palampur- Chowki road has also been damaged in the recent rains.

The Government of India has specifically laid down conditions for roads constructed under the PMGSY, NABARD and CRIF. The conditions say that there should be regular video recording of the works, payments be made only after third-party inspection, payment of bills through electronic system and lodging criminal complaints against contractors for his failure to repair roads.

“The contractors have used low-quality material and less bitumen and cement to save money. It is time that the higher authorities took strict action against the contractors and the officers concerned,” alleged residents.

Manish Seghal, Executive Engineer, PWD, when contacted, said the matter was in his knowledge and necessary action was being taken against erring contractors. They had already been directed to repair the roads immediately or face legal action.