Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 12 Sep: The All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organisation (AAPYO) has called for further 'corrective measures' on the NH 415 Package B project, asserting that termination of contract with the executing agency was only one step, and that concerns relating to structural quality, road safety and maintenance remain to be addressed.
AAPYO president Kipa Kanam, addressing a press briefing, said the organisation had been raising concerns over the project for nearly one-and-a-half years and had repeatedly approached the authorities over alleged deficiencies in construction.
Kanam said the contract with M/s Woodhill-Shivam (JV), the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, has been terminated, describing it as a major outcome of the AAPYO's sustained efforts. He thanked the media and members of the public for supporting the organisation in highlighting the issue.
However, he said the AAPYO's concerns do not end with the contractor's work termination, and urged the authorities to ensure that defective or unsafe portions are properly addressed before the remaining work is taken forward.
The issues were discussed at a meeting chaired by Phurpa Tsering, MLA-cum-adviser to the PWD minister, with senior PWD officials and AAPYO representatives.
The AAPYO's key demands include demolition of 31 identified flyover piers over alleged quality concerns. The department informed the meeting that the piers had undergone independent testing and, following variations in results, further confirmatory semi-destructive/core testing was conducted by Bureau Veritas (India), Kolkata, and Testing Lab Pvt Ltd, Greater Noida.
The department clarified that no decision on demolition, retention, strengthening or remedial treatment would be based solely on allegations or preliminary test results. Any such action would depend on final test results, technical assessment and recommendations of competent experts, followed by approval from the competent authority.
The AAPYO also sought action over alleged poor progress and quality deficiencies. The department said contractual action has been initiated in accordance with the agreement and applicable approvals.
The meeting further discussed regulation of payments for defective works, 3% agency charges, shifting of the MoRTH regional office dealing with Arunachal Pradesh to Itanagar, and interim maintenance of NH415 Package B.
The AAPYO urged the authorities to include all portions requiring dismantling or corrective work in the re-tendering process and ensure proper maintenance of the affected road and drainage stretches.
