PA Mohamed Riyas | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: Minister of Public Works Department PA Mohamed Riyas informed that the department suffered a loss of Rs 300 crore due to the heavy rains in the state. The department has demanded a special package in view of the incessant rains, added the minister.
The minister opined that the pattern of rain has changed in the state and the downpour expected for a week is being received within one or two days. According to the data released by India Meteorological Department, the state recorded a rainfall of 373 millimetre from July 1 to July 11. It was 35 per cent more than the average rainfall anticipated during this period. At least 126 per cent surge was recorded in the rainfall obtained from August 1 to August 5. The state witnessed 190 per cent and 167 per cent increase in rainfall recorded from August 22 to 24 and August 28 to September 1 respectively.
Due to the torrential rainfall, land and the drainage constructed on both sides of the roads are unable to hold the excess water which results in damage to roads. The Minister said that a permanent solution has to be sought by utilising the latest available technology.
Minister of PWD had conducted 12 ring road phone-in programmes during the past 15 months. The department has received 270 complaints till date and a considerable number of complaints have been addressed, said the Minister. Among the 22 complaints received through the programme on Saturday, 19 complaints were against the public works department.
The Minister asserted that majority of the officials and contractors in the department are working efficiently and it is unjust to spread the propaganda that the entire department is ineffective citing the misconduct of a very few officials. He also reminded that strict action would be resorted against malpractices and corruption within the department. The Minister assured legal action if the Vigilance identified any irregularities in the construction or repair works.
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