J.L.Zutshi
Some people are actually not the sons of the soil yet their contributions in the state make them important part of its development process. Er. T.K.Basu is one such persons who shall be remembered in J&K for his contribution in R&B sector. Considered as one of the most competent structural engineers of the country Basu was associated with almost all the major bridge and building activities in J&K. He passed away recently at Delhi.
Hailing from Bengal, Basu did his Degree in Engineering and post graduation in Structural Engineering from Bengal Engineering College, Kolkatta.
He was associated with M/s Bildrite Constructions Kolkatta, to which company J&K had awarded the construction work of New Amira Kadal and Babadhram Das bridges in Srinagar in early eighties. That made this remarkable engineer to be associated with J&K. In view of his qualities he was made a Design Consultant for PWD, JKPCC, PHE and different wings of Power Department for works all over the state.
My association with Basu dates back to 1979 when I was working as Executive Engineer. This association continued even afterwards also when I held the posts of Superintending Engineer and then as Managing Director, JKPCC.
Er. Basu was entrusted with the design of almost all major bridges. Some of these are Habbakadal Bridge, Zainakadal Bridge, Alikadal Bridge, Safakadal bridge, Brijbhera Bridge, Abdullha Bridge Srinagar, Baramulla Bridge, Haatishah Bridge Sopore,Sopore Bridge,no of Bridges in Kupwara, Handwara, Anantnag, Phalgam, Betar Bridge Poonch, and major Bridge works in other districts of the State.
He was subsequently associated with design and reconstruction of almost all the major bridges all over the state ,which were destroyed in the period of militancy. Even during the height of militancy he would often visit Kashmir Valley, Poonch, Rajouri and other districts to check the execution of projects entrusted to him, little caring for his safety.
He introduced new concepts of construction of Bridges, especially in construction of Doda Bridge ,and second Tawi Bridge Jammu where the construction was got done by use of launching girder, without any shuttering of superstructure from the bed. Similarly, the construction of Bijbhera Bridge ,foot bridge at Lal-Mundi Srinagar and Haathishah Bridgeat Sopore was got done by provision of partly cable stayed construction of steel girders in the superstructure.
Being associated with almost all the major Bridges ,he was a walking encyclopedia about topography, hydraulics and other essential parameters required for design of important structures and due to his profound knowledge ,he was able to give out of box solutions to all problems faced in the constructions.
Besides Bridges, Basu was associated with construction of major projects in the Health, Education and other allied projects ,to name a few, Medical College Jammu, Dental College Jammu, Hospitals and Colleges at Srinagar, Bramulla, Sopore, Handwara , Kupwara, and elsewhere. He was also associated with construction of Rangeel Water Supply Project Srinagar and Lower Jhelum Power Project Baramulla
He was a wonderful human being, ever ready to help. His office at Saket, Delhi would function as a camp office for State Engineers visiting Delhi for finalizing and expediting projects.
The country has lost a very competent structural engineer, and J&K a friend. Engineering fraternity would always miss Basu.
(The author is former MD, JKPCC)
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