Govt serious about tackling water-logging,officials under watch

New Delhi, Aug 3 (UNI) Delhi Urban Development and PWD Minister A K Walia today warned that senior engineers and officers will be brought to book if there is water-logging on the roads within their jurisdiction during the rainy season.

''The Government will not hesitate in taking strict possible action against negligent officers and engineers who are found responsible for water-logging on roads in rainy season,'' he said, after reviewing yesterday's incidents of water-logging at a high level meeting.

He said it has been decided to henceforth ban digging under the 'Dig&Restore' policy whereas digging under 'Deposit and Dig' policy would continue.

Both MCD and PWD have been asked to complete restoration of roads where digging has taken place, he said.

Out of 550 cases of digging, restoration have been done only in 343 cases. Both the Departments has been asked to submit a detailed report indicating the necessity of remodelling of drains by submitting drain-wise reasons and technical details.

They have also been directed to execute inspection from the outfall to the other end of the drain to ensure that there is no silt and garbage left in the drain which could create any problem in rainy days.

Dr Walia further said that he would personally monitor the situation and carry out surprise inspections to make all agencies active and responsible.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary (PWD) and senior officers of Delhi Metro, Delhi Police, PWD, MCD and Irrigation&Flood Control Department.

He said that responsibility would be fixed in case of each and every incident of water-logging which resulted in traffic jams, damage to roads and problems for the people.

Delhi Police said that water-logging took place at 32 places in the capital yesterday.

Dr Walia said the Government has taken a strong and serious view and has assured THE general public that all possible measures would immediately be taken to avoid reoccurrence of similar position.

Dr Walia reviewed each and every point of accumulation of water and called for explanation and causes of water-logging so that urgent precautionary measures could be taken. It has been noticed that certain roads including newly constructed roads are being dug up and are not being properly restored. Certain roads were found to be settled down due to heavy rain.

UNI