Nagpur: Cracking a whip against errant infrastructure contractors, Nagpur Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Singal, issued a final ultimatum stating, “If contractors continue to jeopardise citizens’ lives, criminal charges would be filed against the owners of the companies involved in the construction works.” He also cautioned that political connections would not protect the contractors from accountability.
During a meeting with the contractors, CP Dr Singal criticised those failing to adhere to contract rules and leaving road users in hazardous conditions due to inadequate maintenance of temporary roads, lack of warning blinkers, insufficient barricading, and inadequate deployment of traffic marshals.
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Tuesday 12 Nov. 2024
DCP Traffic Shashikant Satav mentioned that the High Court recently expressed concern over accidents caused by incomplete development works and other issues and formed a committee under the CP’s chairmanship, including officers from all relevant departments. DCP Satav reported that five people have died in accidents on 20 under-construction flyovers in the city. Additionally, 19 accidents have occurred due to 24 cement road projects which resulted in six fatalities.
The Top Cop asked police officers about the problems and shortcomings in their areas. Officers explained that contractors often begin work without notifying the Traffic Department or relevant police station officers. Contractors frequently halt road traffic without prior notice. Police Inspector Santosh Wairagde raised the issue of traffic problems caused by potholes, and another police officer underlined issues with the ongoing construction by NCC company on Umred Road.
ACP Traffic Jayesh Bhandarkar suggested that companies should notify citizens in advance and ensure proper barricading and signage at construction sites. ACP Sudhir Nandanwar pointed out the problems caused by concurrent flyover, cement road, OCW, and fibre cable work. He underlined the lack of safety measures on under construction Manewada-Besa Road.
The CP demanded explanations from the concerned officials and contractors, who cited rain-related delays. The CP responded that the rain was foreseeable, and decisions should have been made accordingly. He instructed that all potholes be filled within 24 hours and that large potholes be covered with iron sheets, similar to measures taken in Mumbai.
228 deaths this year, no more losses: CP
The CP ordered the contractors to coordinate with officials if they face any issues or need support. He set human lives as priority and noted that 228 people have died in the city this year. He stressed the need for contractors to work with the understanding that their own families and children also use these roads. The CP stressed the importance of ensuring that work is done safely and responsibly, so that contractors can take pride in their contributions. He instructed the deployment of barricades, blinkers, cat eyes, and security guards at all construction sites.
