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Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Parl panel flags concrete highway failures; calls out design flaws, weak oversight, and rampant subcontracting
Prayagraj, Aug 03 (ANI): A road caves in following heavy rainfall, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. NEW DELHI: The road transport and highways ministry has admitted design failures, weak quality assurance and over-reliance on highway builders as some of the factors for certain newly built highway stretches with concrete pavement collapsing in rain-prone and low-lying areas, according to the latest report of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. Raising concerns over the 'indiscriminate shift' from bituminous to concrete roads without adequate assessment, the committee said this has led to poor-quality outcomes, delays, and potential wastage of public funds. The panel has recommended the ministry and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) adopt a mandatory, evidence-based framework for selecting pavement materials — bituminous, concrete, or otherwise — based on site-specific technical and environmental assessments. This, it said, should be integrated into the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). The panel referred to specific instances, including a section on Delhi–Vadodara Expressway that got damaged. 'These roads, which were expected to offer long-term service with minimal maintenance are found to have developed premature cracks, surface distress, and failures in pavement quality concrete (PQC), often within a short period of completion,' the report mentioned. The committee also took note of how the entire task of project preparation, execution and even supervision are left to contractors and consultants while NHAI's internal role is limited to formal approvals. It observed that such 'delegation of responsibility weakens accountability', especially when supervision consultants also fail to flag design deficiencies. It referred to the Kooriyad collapse in Kerala which was attributed to inaccurate geotechnical assessments and poor oversight by both highway builder and the supervision consultant. 'The committee are of the view that the methodology being followed by NHAI could help it escape responsibility but this brings bad repute to NHAI as an design scrutiny is important, implementation of approved design should also be ensured and no short cut measures to reduce costs by the concessionaire/ sub contractors may be permitted,' the panel said. The PAC has also called out the ministry on the practice of subcontracting in NH projects — primary contractor assigns or outsources its work to other parties. Taking note of ministry's submission that much of road infrastructure is executed by sub-contractors, who might not be accountable under the primary contract framework, the committee said 'unchecked layering of contractors and sub-contractors' has led to 'diffusion of accountability', where NHAI has limited leverage to enforce quality standards or timely delivery It has recommended the ministry to discourage subcontracting beyond one level — contractor to one subcontractor. 'If further subcontracting is absolutely necessary, it should only be allowed with special approval from NHAI. NHAI must ensure that all subcontractors are registered, get prior approval, and are clearly documented,' it said.
News18
a day ago
- News18
Indian Army strengthens veteran bonds through outreach programmes in Upper Assam
Assam [India], August 13 (ANI): In its ongoing efforts to reach out to veterans and reaffirm its enduring commitment to their welfare, the Indian Army has conducted a series of programmes across Upper Assam, including Lekhapani, Digboi and Rupai. These initiatives stand as heartfelt tributes to the selfless service of ex-servicemen and Veer Naris, while addressing their key needs and programme at Lekhapani brought together veterans and their families, offering a range of services including a medical and dental camp, a grievance redressal cell and a daily essentials stall. On-the-spot medical check-ups, dental consultations, advice and medication were provided. A special interaction was held with Assam Rifles veterans, many of whom did not possess Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) cards; they were briefed on its benefits and encouraged to obtain them at the Digboi and Rupai, the outreach saw participation from veterans, including Veer Naris, reflecting the spirit and unity within the military fraternity. A dedicated Help Desk (Information Counter) was set up at all venues to guide attendees on welfare schemes, including those specifically for Veer Naris, assist with documentation such as Pension Payment Order (PPO) and System for Pension Administration (Raksha) (SPARSH), provide information on employment opportunities for ex-servicemen, and address grievances in a time-bound programmes also served as platforms for regular interaction between serving personnel and veterans, facilitating constructive feedback and strengthening the support network for ex-servicemen. Veterans were briefed on the latest medical schemes vis-a-vis older ones, enabling them to make informed decisions for their health and enthusiasm, camaraderie and gratitude expressed by the attendees underscored the unbreakable bond between the Indian Army and those who once wore the uniform with pride, reaffirming the motto: Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier. (ANI)
News18
2 days ago
- News18
World Elephant Day observed with a call for human-elephant co-existence
Majuli (Assam) [India], August 12 (ANI): World Elephant Day is observed annually on August 12 to promote the conservation and protection of elephants while addressing the growing issue of human-elephant conflict. The day aims to ensure that elephants can thrive without clashes with human an increasing human population, elephant habitats are shrinking, forcing these majestic animals to venture into human settlements in search of food. In Majuli, a herd of about 150 elephants has been roaming across different chars and chaporis for several years. However, unlike many other places, Majuli has not experienced severe human-elephant Majuli Forest Department has taken special measures to monitor the elephants in these areas and ensure that, if they enter human settlements, they are guided back to the forests. On this occasion, the department expressed hope for a future free from human-elephant conflict, fostering peaceful forest officer, Garmur range, Abhijeet Doley said to ANI, 'Not only World Elephant Day, but every day is important for us. Over the past 2-3 months, we have observed a large elephant herd travelling across the Chapori areas in different locations under the Majuli division. We are continuously monitoring the movement of these elephants and working to prevent conflict situations in the Chapori areas." Abhijeet highlighted the reason for the conflict and added, 'The human population in the Chapori areas is increasing, while protected areas are declining. These Chapori areas have belonged to elephants for a very long time. Since humans have now settled in these regions, I request everyone to coexist with the wild animals."'My message to the people is simple — respect wild animals. I understand that sometimes they damage khutis (bamboo structures) or destroy crops, paddy, and other resources. But somehow, we must try to accept these challenges. We are doing everything possible to minimise such losses. Therefore, my appeal to those living in the Chapori areas is: please respect our elephants and rhinos–they are a part of us," he further added. (ANI)
