Bhubaneswar: Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Saturday announced that a dedicated policy on road maintenance and durability will soon be introduced, making agencies and departments accountable for damage caused by repeated utility works.
Chairing a review meeting at Nirman Soudha, the minister assessed the condition of roads in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rourkela, Sambalpur and other major towns ahead of the festive season.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Babu Singh, Naba Kishor Mallick and Souvic Biswal, along with BMC Mayor Sulochana Das, Cuttack Mayor Subash Chandra Singh, BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana and other officials.
The Law Minister noted that while road damage during the monsoon is common, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure timely repairs to avoid public inconvenience.
He directed engineers to make all major roads pothole-free by September 20 and begin full restoration of damaged stretches from October 2.
Harichandan also urged newly-recruited engineers to apply their skills for durable and sustainable road construction.
The minister also directed engineers to conduct field inspections within two days and submit detailed reports on road conditions in their respective areas.
Works department Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh flagged concerns over agencies like BMC, IDCO, OPTCL and WATCO digging up roads for pipelines, power lines and other utilities without proper coordination, causing premature damage.
He stressed the need for an integrated approach to fix accountability and ensure compensation.
Earlier, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) convened a preparatory meeting for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
BMC Mayor Sulochana Das, Commissioner Chanchal Rana, the Deputy Mayor, Corporators, standing committee chairpersons, and senior officials from various line departments attended to chalk out plans for the smooth conduct of the festivities.
PNN
