The Hindu 19.11.2009
Mayor unhappy with work on a few JNNURM projects
Special Correspondent
| Samples of construction material to be sent for lab test |
— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM 
Making a point: Deputy Commissioner P. Manivannan (second from right) at the JNNURM review meeting in Mysore on Wednesday. He is flanked by Mayor Purushottam (right) and Mysore City Corporation Commissioner K.S. Raikar.
MYSORE: Mayor Purushottam has expressed dismay over the quality of work on a few projects being implemented under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) here.
Participating in the JNNURM review meeting on Wednesday, the Mayor alleged that quality was being compromised and referred to the use of low grade concrete in the construction of storm water drain at Brindavan Extension. The Mayor said that he had taken samples of material from the site and showed them to the officials reviewing the work in progress.
Responding to the allegations, the engineers overseeing the work on the projects contended that they were using a substitute in view of shortage of sand as its supply had been affected following a ban on sand mining till Panchalinga Darshana at Talakad in T. Narsipura ended.
But Deputy Commissioner P. Manivannan said that the samples be sent for a laboratory test and wait for the result before pronouncing anything on the issue. Mr. Manivannan also directed the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board to expedite the implementation of the Kabini Second Stage Drinking Water Scheme. He said that though the land acquisition process had been completed, there was a delay in starting work though the contract had been awarded.
The KUWSDB representatives’ explanation that a protest by farmers against inadequate compensation was not taken into cognisance by the Deputy Commissioner who said work may be taken up with police protection.
