The Telangana State Chief Minister, K. Chandrasekhar Rao, came down heavily on officials for laxity in repair and maintenance of roads across the State.
KCR further warned them of stringent action, if any potholes were found in the Telangana State after June 1. The CM, reviewing the functioning of the Roads and Buildings Department, at Pragati Bhavan, in Hyderabad, set a one month deadline for officials to fill up all potholes. He stated that, after June 1, he would undertake a Statewide tour and that stringent action including suspension would be taken against officials concerned if any potholes were found.
Despite funds being allocated for laying new roads and repairing existing ones, there were still roads that were damaged. Such laxity on part of the officials, would not be tolerated. It is a matter of regret and quite painful, added KCR.
The CM said, “We have released funds for development of roads in the State. Such a quantum was never released in the history. We have impressed upon the Centre and got several National Highways sanctioned. We have also given funds for laying of new roads and repairing existing ones. Yet we have pothole-ridden roads, which are causing accidents.” KCR noticed several potholes, when he recently traveled by road from Warangal to Palakurthi.
“I have told officials in the past to fill-up those potholes whenever the need arises. But officials have not taken up this seriously. This not a good method and I am giving one month’s time. Fill up all the potholes by May end. After this, if I find any pothole I will suspend the official concerned then and there,” the CM said. “As part of roads development, we are shifting roads under Panchayat Raj to R&B and roads under R&B to the National Highways wing. Due to this, there might be some delay in laying new roads. But at the same time, repairs to roads cannot be left unattended. If the contractor ignores his responsibility and chooses not to work, the roads will remain unattended to and people will suffer. Repair works should be a continuous process,” the CM stated.
A time frame for the construction of the district headquarter office complexes, was also set by the CM. KCR, further pointed out that funds were allocated and designs approved, he issued instructions to call for tenders and to start the construction process within 15 days. KCR added that the entire construction should be completed within one year, and the construction of the MLA offices in the constituencies too should be expedited. The MLA offices will bring the government closer to the people and there should be no delays in this matter, he said. The CM also said that the R&B and Irrigation departments should have more senior officials.
Based on the need, increase the posts of senior officials in the department. “We are extending the services of retired officials only to take advantage of their experience. At the same time, this should not affect the chances of promotion for others. Promotions should be given promptly. Fill up new posts with the promotees, KCR added. The additional funds would be released for repair works on Station Ghanpur and Palakurthi roads. The CM also called for a four-lane road between Perkit and Jagtial.
R&B Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, MP K Keshav Rao, Chief Secretary SP Singh, Principal Secretaries S Narsing Rao, Sunil Sharma, Ramakrishna, Engineers-in-Chief Ganapati Reddy, Ravinder Rao and others were present in the meeting.
SUPRAJA
