AMC's lethargic approach mars assessment of roads

Aurangabad: In yet another example of tall promises, but no delivery, the civic body has failed to initiate assessment of newly built tar roads even after 20 days since the civic chief made an announcement in this regard.

Following a huge uproar over the pathetic condition of roads in the standing committee and general body meetings, municipal commissioner Om Prakash Bokoria had announced that the civic body would carry out quality assessment of newly built tar roads that have been damaged within defect liability period.

"We will take severe action against the contractors if we get to know that they had compromised with the quality of roads. Besides lodging police complaints against them, we will also blacklist them," he had said.

The announcement was made about 20 days ago, but it took the civic chief more than 15 days to even form the committee. The order regarding the formation of the three-member committee, including additional municipal commissioner, assistant director town planning and a deputy engineer, was issued just two days ago.

And the worst part is that the committee is yet to be provided with the details of roads which were to be accessed. This means, there will be further delay in the actual assessment of roads.

One of the committee members told TOI that it may take around 30-40 days more to access quality of all the roads that were built recently.

Despite repeated attempts, Bakoria could not be contacted. However, sources in the civic body said the committee formation is nothing but just an eyewash. "How can anyone access the quality of roads that were built two to three years ago? On many roads, repairing was done and the authorities have filled potholes. Technically, assessment of roads built three years ago at this point in time is a big challenge and it may not serve the purpose," the sources said.