SHILLONG: The PWD (roads) department has come under fire from the Opposition for frequent revision of road projects without carrying out proper research.
During the Question Hour, the PWD (roads) Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar in a reply to a question of Remington Pyngrope (UDP) said on Tuesday that Nohron-Nongryngkoh under PMGSY was stopped and subsequently it was revived with a revised estimate. He said the road could not be completed within the sanctioned amount of Rs 287.76 lakh, hence the revised estimate of Rs 824 lakh has been processed.
However, Donkupar Roy (UDP) wanted to know what the reason behind the estimate revision.
In a reply, the Minister said that due to difficult terrain and other factors, a revised estimate was prepared.
Roy pointed out that the department should have understood the difficulties in the construction of road during the time of preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The legislators Ardent Basaiawmoit (HSPDP), Saleng Sangma (Independent) and Paul Lyngdoh (UDP) have expressed concern over the stand of PWD in resorting to the revised estimate without carrying out a study of the road project.
“It is a major lapse. The department should consider setting up of a research and investigation wing”, Lyngdoh said.
