While addressing the meeting with the senior officers of Public Works Department to review the arrangements made for maintenance of roads in the State, Public Works Minister Thakur Gulab Singh assures that the State Government will make adequate arrangements for ensuring better maintenance of roads in the State during the ensuing rainy season.
Thakur Gulab Singh said that due to the early monsoon in the State target of mettling and tarring of roads could not be achieved, but assures that department achieved it after the monsoon. He directed all the Zonal Chief Engineers of the State to ensure frequent field visits in their jurisdiction. He also directed the Chief Engineer National Highways for ensuring that all the national highways in the State are in a good condition and any damaged caused is repaired at the earliest.
Public Works Minister said that 137 dozers, 204 excavators-cum-dozers and 5 small loaders will be pressed into service for maintenance of roads. He said that cross drains and side drains should be cleared so to avoid choking and water-logging. He said that adequate machinery available with the Department would be deployed for maintenance of roads. He said that private machineries would also be hired if need so arises so as to any inconvenience to the commuters during the rainy season.
Thakur Gulab Singh said that special emphasis will be laid on maintenance of roads in apple growing areas to facilitate the apple growers to transport their crops to different markets. He said that the department would also ensure proper maintenance of link roads in the apple belt. He said that Government has cancelled leave of employees of Public Works Department so as to ensure availability of manpower round the clock. Principal Secretary, Public Works Department Dr. P.C. Kapoor assured the Minister that every effort would be made to keep the roads in good shape during the rainy season.
