Preliminary inquiry detects flaws in Panchkula road carpeting - Hindustan Times
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Preliminary inquiry detects flaws in Panchkula road carpeting

Hindustan Times | ByVinod Kumar, Panchkula
Jul 29, 2015 10:07 AM IST

A preliminary inquiry by the Haryana state vigilance bureau into the quality of material used in carpeting of roads and paver blocks laid in Panchkula city has found irregularities, needing further investigation.

A preliminary inquiry by the Haryana state vigilance bureau into the quality of material used in carpeting of roads and paver blocks laid in Panchkula city has found irregularities, needing further investigation.

The preliminary inquiry was conducted by executive engineer vigilance VK Kamboj on the direction of director general (DG) vigilance SN Vashisht.

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Kamboj visited various sites for inspection. The team videographed and clicked photographs of the sites. In his report submitted to the DG, Kamboj pointed out various irregularities and stated that in-depth probe was needed. The vigilance team has seized records pertaining to the carpeting of roads and paver block.

According to sources, the quality of material used in carpeting of roads and quality of paver blocks appears to be sub-standard. Sources said that taking serious note of the report, the DG on Tuesday wrote to the Haryana government, seeking permission to initiate a regular inquiry. As per norms, permission from state government is required before starting a regular vigilance inquiry.

In the last one year, the municipal corporation laid paver blocks at different parts of the city, which were allegedly of sub-standard quality. The contractors also did not use required amount of cement to fix the blocks.

Dr BL Tandon, convenor of The People’s Voice God’s Voice Group, had lodged several complaints with Haryana chief minister and local administration, highlighting various irregularities committed by the MC officials in carpeting of roads and laying of paver blocks. He had also levelled corruption allegations against officials and contractors.


Earlier samples fail test

Recently, two samples of material used in carpeting of roads in Panchkula failed the quality test. The binder content was found low on roads carpeted in the Industrial Area and Sector 15. According to the sample report submitted by Shri Ram Institute of Industrial Research (SRIIR), the binder content of the material used on one of the stretches in the Industrial Area was 1.98 against the permissible limit of 5.5 (mass percentage), while it was 4.67 in Sector 15. Samples collected by SRIIR and NITTTR of the Sector 12/11 road had also pointed out the material used had low binder content, which was 4.28 and 4.29 against the permissible limit and the contractors were asked to give proper finish to the roads.

The carpeting work was started on March 23 and a lot of hue and cry was raised by resident welfare associations and other bodies over the poor quality material being used for the work.

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