YSR satisfied on irrigation project work

Hyderabad, Jan 28 (UNI) While appreciating the efforts of Irrigation Secretaries and expressing full satisfaction in progress of works, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today told the officials that milestones should be decided in favour of the farmers for whom the government was spending huge sums of money.

Reviewing progress work on irrigation projects in Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana, he said the milestones should not be in favour of the contractors.

"You should revise the milestones. Those who are not adhering to them should be forced to pay the LD (liquid damages).

"You should see the projects are completed as per the milestones decided for ensuring the water reaches the farmer." The main contractors were entrusting the work to sub-contractors who did not have full technical knowledge or capacity to complete the project on time.

Notice should be issued to such lead contractors. They should be warned if they do not execute the projects, they might be barred from participating in future tenders.

The main contractors were liable to be present to provide the full technical knowhow and their supervision must be made mandatory.

The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the safety and labour norms not being followed at project sites.

This should be put to an end and main contractors told to adhere to minimum standards as per the contract. He also took serious view of the delay in project designs causing undue holding up of projects.

Dr Reddy asked the Irrigation Secretaries to visit project sites more often instead of leaving it Chief Engineers and Project Directors.

They should anticipate problems and bottlenecks in the completion of the projects and solve them immediately.

UNI BR GM 1924