JAMMU : The Government was today cornered by members across party lines in the Legislative Council, who were demanding setting up of a House committee to probe failure in the construction of Ganpat bridge on Chinab River in the Doda district.
Cutting across party lines, members of the ruling NC-Congress coalition cornered Minister for Roads and Buildings Majid Wani in the House, over the failure and delay in constructing the bridge.
“How was contract given without conducting survey and feasibility assessment–work started on the bridge without final approval of contract–and work came to grinding halt later,” Najeeb Khalid Suharwardy (NC) said.
He was supported by other members including Ravinder Sharma and Naresh Gupta of the Congress, who wanted setting up of the House committee.
As members resorted to a verbal duel with the Minister, he had a difficult time to pacify them over the issue.
Five years have passed, but this bridge has not come up –who is responsible for it–the government is shielding the officials responsible for it–they should fix responsibility,” Bashir Ahmed Veeri (NC) alleged.
Replying to another question by Sham Lal Bhagat, the Minister informed the House that the Jammu and Kahsmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) has released Rs 12,537 crore to the JKPCC on their requisition against an estimated cost of Rs 29.95 crore for construction of the Ganpat bridge.
However, work has been held up since October 22, 2010, he said.
Minister of State for Power Vikar Rasool said, the Government has constituted a high level committee headed by the Chief Secretary for making the project viable or suggesting an alternative for resuming construction of the bridge.
Work on Ganpat bridge shall be resumed after the committee’s final decision, he said.
The JKSPDC has taken up construction of the Trungal bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 15.36 crore against which, expenditure of Rs 6.95 crore has already been incurred so far, Vikar said adding that, work is in an advanced stage of completion.
Construction of the foot suspension bridge at Marsoo was initially taken up by the JKSPDC, but after pressing demands from people and public representatives, it was later decided to construct a motorable suspension bridge by the PWD, the Minister said.
The matter is considered by the JKSPDC board of directors, he maintained.
The PWD has prepared an appraisal report for construction of the 200 meters span single lane motorable balance cantilever bridge at a cost of Rs. 27.11 crore, Vikar added. (AGENCIES)
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel