Works Minister Shri Thongam Biswajit today warned all concerned to return the heavy machineries and equipment which were acquired from the Works department for utilisation at work sites but yet to be returned even after completion of the work for a long period.
The Minister said officials and engineers of the Public Works Department who signed the indents for issue of heavy/light machineries and the concerned contractors should be responsible for the machineries.
The issue needs to be discussed with all seriousness, Minister Biswajit said asserting that, if engineers, including retired officials, are found at fault, Personal Liability Acts will be filed against them to exact the amount for the machinery and legal actions will also be taken up against the concerned contractors, if necessary. He further asserted that indent of machineries and equipment should be issued only on advance payment as well as security deposit against the machineries to be issued from today onwards.
The Minister was speaking at the second monthly review meeting of the department held today at his New Secretariat Conference hall. During the first monthly review meeting held in June, it was decided to identify all heavy machineries of the department which are lying unattended at work sites or utilised by VIPs.
On the issue of frequent water logging in certain areas of Imphal including Governor’s Raj Bhawan, existing Secretariat area, Sanjenthong Officers’ Colony, Babupara and Singjamei Waikhom Leikai and Mayeng Leikai areas, Minister Biswajit instructed the officials concerned to act instantly to clear the water logging. He instructed the concerned EEs to initiate temporary measures including pumping of flood water from the areas immediately and to set up pumping stations at three locations viz. Waikhom Leikai area, Babupara area and Sanjenthong area.
Minister Biswajit also expressed dismay that out of the 29 divisions in the department, only 18 were able to submit their progress for the review meeting convened today. He further instructed the officials concerned that all divisions should submit their next progress report before the next monthly review meeting. The Works Minister also highlighted the need to refurbish the entire PWD complex and maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the complex.
He further asked for a detailed report for construction of common roads 12-feet wide from the foothills to the tops of both the Baruni and Koubru Hills and beautification of the natural pond atop Koubru Hills.
He also demanded the officials concerned to submit the utilisation details of Work Charged, Muster Roll and Casual Staffs of the department.
Minister Biswajit also discussed the frequent landslides along the national highways and asked the engineers concerned to act swiftly and clear all debris at the earliest so that the highways do not remain blocked for long.
He further asked the department officials to initiate steps to register the land ownerships of all offices of the PWD including the Inspection Bungalows in the name of the department at the earliest.
Today’s meeting also discussed the several other resolutions taken during the last review meeting and the actions taken thereafter on the resolutions by the department.
Other issues discussed included proposal for reconstruction of old and weak bridges, preparations of estimates for maintenance of Mini Secretariat buildings at District Head Quarters, reconstruction of old and weak bridges, Stores Division of the department to be re-vamped and identification of a location for the division and installation of a Hot Mix Plant within the range of 15-20 km from Imphal.
The Minister further sought cooperation of all officials and engineers and said everyone should work efficiently with dedication.
Regarding the need for verification of a huge liability amounting to Rs 447.03 crore under various head of accounts, Works Commissioner K Radhakumar expressed the need for a division wise discussion on the issue.
Highlighting the achievements of the department during the 100-days programme, officials of the department said development of the Tourist Resort at Sendra Hillock, Water Sports Complex at Takmu and other Tourism facilities in adjoining areas, Bishnupur District and mending of potholes in all districts Head-Quarters and roads within are complete.
The officials also said that improvement and upgradation of NESRIP Projects including Tupul to Bishnupur and Thoubal to Kasom Khullen (ADB funded) is 80 percent complete. Restoration of damaged stretches of Mao-Imphal Highway from Senapati to Imphal and Mao to Senapati is improving.
Today’s meeting was also attended by Parliamentary Secretary Works Shri Awangbou Newmai and other engineers of the department.
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