Cuttack: Perturbed at several mishaps occurring during execution of projects under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, the district administration has laid down certain guidelines to curb them.
The guidelines were finalised at a high-level meeting chaired by Cuttack Collector Susanta Mohapatra. The administration also asked the Orissa Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) to adhere to the new norms for its underground cabling work in the Silver City.
Notably, a minor was crushed to death under the wheels of a tractor engaged in a project being implemented under financial aid from JICA at Rajendranagar, last year. Recently, a student died after he was hit by a tractor engaged in a project funded by the same agency in Jobra area. A few days ago, an elderly man died after falling into a pit dug up for a developmental project at Bidanasi.
“Implementation of developmental projects must not inconvenience people. We have laid down certain norms to check mishaps occurring due to project works,” Mohapatra said. As per the new guidelines, all pits dug up for developmental projects will be covered with tin sheets. Besides, the authorities concerned have been asked to put up signage near such pits.
“No government or private agency engaged in project works can dig trenches or pits on roads without the prior approval of the city’s traffic police. The new norms also prohibit construction works in daytime,” said an official of the district administration.
It is learnt that the administration will constitute a special squad for strict implementation of the new guidelines. “The squad comprising officials from the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and Sadar sub-collector’s office will visit project sites regularly and ensure the strict implementation of the new norms,” added the official.
PNN
