Gammon sublets work to local inexperienced contractors
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Dec 28: In sheer violation of National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives and notices issued by the District Magistrate Ramban under Section 144 CrPC and J&K Pollution Control Board authorities, the dumping of boulders/debris by the highway construction agencies went on unabated in river Chenab in Ramban area.
Official sources said that as per NGT norms, there are strict instructions to dump the escavated muck at the identified sites by the construction agency/ agencies but Gammon India Ltd which has secured the contract of the work of 4-laning of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway from Udhampur to Nashri and then up to Ramban, has reportedly sublet the work to a few local contractors having no experience of constructing highways. These inexperienced people have created havoc on the highway leading to frequent traffic disruptions and mess on the highway.
Sources revealed that one of the local contractors (CPP), having no experience in this field has also been sub let the work by the Gammon India Ltd and they have been dumping the ‘Malba’ (debris) into the river near Mehar and also at some other locations. They are avoiding the dump debris at the identified sites away from the construction sites just to avoid expenditure and save time at the cost of environment. This illegal activity has made the life of people horrible.
With this, the level of water pollution is increasing in the river. Moreover, silt is being created in river which would cause damage to the power project at Salal. It may also lead to change the course of river in Ramban area. Sources said that Gammon which found itself helpless to get the structures vacated even after payment of compensation in Chanderkote and Krol area, engaged local influential people. The new contractors by using their own influence got the road side structures cleared shortly. Having no experience in the construction of roads/ highways, such contractors have created trouble for the road users.
As per their strategy, they block the highway at Mehar near Ramban bridge over Chenab and adjoining areas and when the pressure of opening of the road is mounted from District Administration and Traffic police, they hurriedly dump the debris in the river by using machines. It saves their time and money of carrying Malba to the dumping site which is almost 2-3 kms away from this site, they added.
Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Nazim Zia Khan when contacted disclosed that after receiving such complaints of dumping `Malba’ in river Chenab by the constructing agency and local contractors, he issued orders under section 144 CrPC and directed the Gammon India and other contractors to whom its has sub-let the work, not to dump excavated muck in the river. The DM said he has also directed SSP Ramban to lodge and FIR and take action against the violators. He said Gammon India and National Highway Authority of India are the main culprits against whom the action is warranted.
Meanwhile, Member Secretary, Pollution Control Board J&K UT, BM Sharma when contacted said that PCB has issued notice to the M/S Gammon Engineers & Contractors Pvt Ltd, Dalwas district Ramban vide number PCB/NGT/27/2017/ 1392-94 dated 25-11-2019, for levying of environmental compensation for dumping of land slide debris and excavated muck in Chenab river. He said the action has been taken after the PCB Jammu received live photographs and other related material with regard to violation by the agency.
Secretary PCB said that this illegal activity of the Gammon Company has not only resulted in contamination of water quality of river Chenab but has also proved a potential threat to the free and smooth flow of river thereby triggering change of river course, which can endanger the life and property of the people living there and the down stream. Moreover, it may increase the level of silt in Salal Hydel Power Project near Reasi thus, impacting power generation. They carried out this activity near Jagat Filling Station Mehar (Ramban) of which many live photographs are available with the PCB. The reply from the agency has been sought and heavy penalty is likely to be imposed on them for this violation, Sharma added.
Project Director, NHAI Jammu sector, Ajay Kumar Sawhney when contacted said that he was not aware of the sub-letting the work by Gammon India to a local contractor with no experience but maintained that they can allot work up to some percentage (49 %) as per contract agreement but to a qualified contractor. He said no contracting agency is allowed any violation. They have to abide by all the clauses of agreement including environmental pollution or polluting of water bodies. They deserve action if indulge in violation, Project Director added.
Project Manager/ Director, NHAI Ramban sector, Parshotam Kumar however, said that in case of road blockade, the agency has no other option but to restore the road and in that case, they dump the debris into the river. No doubt, it is violation but it’s is done after extensive pressure of road opening. When asked why Gammon India Ltd, a reputed national agency engaged by NHAI for 4-laning of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway from Udhampur to Ramban has been allowed to sublet the work in piece meals to CPP and some other local contractors, said that they can allot up to 5 % of the work only. Mainly, the tunnel and bridges work, they are doing at their own, he said.
Sources further revealed that Gammon India Ltd secured project worth Rs 1710 crore from Udhampur to Ramban on Sept 24, 2015 for second phase of National Highway Development Project from NHAI. The work on this portion was going on very slow as per the contract agreement. Moreover, from Ramban to Banihal, the contract work of four-laning of 36 km of road stretch, worth Rs 1783 crore has been allotted to Hindustan Construction Company, whose performance so far has also remained dismal, the sources added.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
