Public Works Department took action against the contractor, two officers also suspended

Korba. The Public Works Department has suspended the contractor doing low quality construction and non-standard work in the upgradation and renovation work of Chotia-Chirmiri road in Korba district. During the inspection and investigation conducted by the Chief Engineer of Bilaspur Zone of the Public Works Department on January 18, the road upgradation and renovation work was found to be non-standard and of poor quality. Taking action on this, the department on 9th February appointed the contractor M/s M.K. A show cause notice was issued to Gupta & Company and a reply was sought within 15 days. No response was given to the notice by the contractor. The department has taken strict action against the contractor and canceled his registration for two years. On the instructions of Deputy Chief Minister and Public Works Minister Arun Sao, two officers have already been suspended in the case. Show cause notice has been issued to two officers.

Ten kilometers of Chotia-Chirmiri road was inspected by the Chief Engineer of Bilaspur Zone of the Public Works Department. During inspection of the length of upgradation and renewal work (actual length 23.30 km), the thickness of the bitumen was found to be less on average during site inspection. Besides, the density of work done was also found to be low. The work was found to be of sub-standard standard. The contractor appointed for the upgradation and renovation of the road is M/s M.K. Gupta & Company, “A” class contractor, Korba has done quality work by asphalting the road without following the quality standards, due to which there have been potholes at many places on the road. It was recommended by the Chief Engineer to ban the contractor for at least two years for non-standard and poor quality work.

Due to the work done by the contractor being contrary to the government and public interest, the contractor M/s M.K. A show cause notice was issued to Gupta & Company and a reply was sought within 15 days. But after the contractor has not submitted the reply till date, the Chief Engineer has taken action to cancel his registration for two years.