Pimpri: The road construction work from Mohan Nagar entrance to Mehta Hospital located in Chinchwad of Pimpri-Chinchwad is of substandard quality. After repeated complaints about this, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation conducted a technical inspection of the road quality. It was found that the contractor was negligent in the construction of the road. Due to this, a fine of Rs 8 lakh 3 thousand 567 has been imposed on the concerned contractor. Former corporator Maruti Bhapkar presented evidence of irregularities in road construction work by holding a press conference.
Maruti Bhapkar said that on behalf of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, 1 km in the development plan from Mohannagar to Mehta Hospital on behalf of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Welcome Command. Road concreting work was done. For this, a contract of Rs 14 crore 85 lakh 84 thousand was awarded.
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Action not taken even after many complaints
The period of this work submitted by Ingavale Patil Construction Company was terminated on 16 July 2021 for 24 months. However, even after the lapse of the deadline, the road work is going on. Citizens had to face a lot of trouble due to this delay. Despite repeated complaints of minor accidents, traffic jams, noise, air pollution, power and water supply disruptions and power outages, residents of the area have been harassed, but no concrete action has been taken.
Complaint was made to the Municipal Commissioner
Finally, on 30 August 2021, a written complaint was lodged with Commissioner Rajesh Patil regarding 9 points regarding quality irregularities in the construction work of this cement concrete road. The complaint was made after meeting them face to face. Taking cognizance of this, the Municipal Commissioner asked the Vigilance and Control Room to confirm the complaint. Due to repeated follow-up, vigilance and control room officials, executive engineers, project consultants, contractor representatives and quality control representatives inspected the site, however, it was observed that they were all conspiring to save the contractor. Again a complaint was made to the commissioner in this regard.
Many shortcomings found in the work
According to the order of the Municipal Commissioner, the site was again inspected on 13 December 21. At that time, he showed all the technical flaws as a complaint. Their photographs, video recordings were made and a site inspection report prepared and signed by the concerned. So some of these facts had to be brought before the Vigilance and Control Committee. The Vigilance and Control Room sends its recommendations to the Executive Engineer of Ward A. Accordingly, the Executive Engineer ordered to recover Rs.8 lakh 3 thousand 567 from the bill of the contractor. While the PQC required a thickness of 300 mm, it was found to be 200 mm at some places. 270mm in some places and 280mm in others PLC and GSB also have errors.
Strict action should be taken against the culprits
However, this action taken by the Municipal Corporation is futile and dusty. This action is minor and officials are trying to save the contractor. In our complaint, the administration has focused on only one of the 9 points. I am not satisfied with this action at all. The quality of concrete work has deteriorated and the commissioner should take this matter seriously and appoint a committee of neutral expert officers headed by a retired judge so that there is a thorough investigation into the matter and strict action is taken against the culprits.