Give importance to quality in irrigation projects: CM

Hyderabad, July 3 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today asked the Irrigation Department to give top priority to quality while undertaking construction work of projects.

Addressing a review meeting on quality of construction work in irrigation projects in the context of breaches in some canals due to heavy rainfall, here at the Secretariat, he said ''we have taken up a massive irrigation programme. From a meagre Rs 1,500 crore a few years ago, this year alone we are spending Rs 13,000 crore.

''Projects have to be there for generations to come. We must take all steps to ensure top class quality is maintained and there should be no compromise on this.'' The chief minister asked top officials to strengthen the third party quality control checks conducted by independent agencies.

''There should be no room for complaints. Third party quality control should be very effective. The Minister, three advisors and secretaries should visit each project constantly to ensure quality of construction.'' Dr Reddy also asked Superintendent Engineers (SEs) to visit project under them every week and send reports. He asked Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah to ensure quality was maintained in the construction of all irrigation projects, a release issued here said quoting the chief minister.

UNI