inspection of under construction culverts by CM Kalikho Pul
Itanagar
Arunachal CM Kalikho Pul today made a surprise inspection of the two RCC Culverts under construction along the Itanagar-Naharlagun highway to assess the progress of the work. Basis of the importance of these two culverts to ease the Traffic congestion between Naharlagun and Itanagar the Chief Minister set May 28 as the completion deadline.
The earlier RCC culverts were damaged by the floodwaters and the department of highway had built a temporary bailey bridge to tackle the flowing traffic congestion at these two places.
The CM instructed the contractors and the workers to carry out the work for 24X7 in 3-shifts saying that he would expect no excuses on any compromises made on the work. The CM further alerted that they should expect surprise checks at any time during the day or night, starting next Monday.
Instructing the contractors to increase the manpower to speed up the work, he promised to extend ex-gratia relief to one of the worker, Abdul Nuraman, who died in an accident due to electrocution.
Assuring the contractors that there would be no delay in fund payments, the CM promised to extend all financial and administrative support as well as security covers.
The CM further assured that if the work completion target is met with quality works, the engineer involved would be recommended with more works in the future.
He, however, said if the work fails to meet the deadline; the government would not hesitate to hold back the fund payment.
During the inspection, he also visited the nearby shops. The shopkeepers who said they were from Sagalee, Kurungkumey and Sangram told the CM that due to the ongoing works at the construction site, their business were badly hurt. The dust and dirt including the heaps of mud and steels prevented easy access of customers to their shops, they explained.
The CM assured the shopkeepers that business would thrive once the highway works are completed. He informed that government is ready to provide assistance to support local entrepreneurs. Using the opportunity, he enquired on their toilet and sanitation facilities and asked them to avail IHHL grant, which has been enhanced to Rs 40000 from Rs 12000. He said the area would be developed with the provision for parking facilities and public washrooms for a favourable business environment to grow.
