Pathanamthitta, September 4, 2013: No digging up of roads would be permitted till the forthcoming Sabarimala pilgrim season is over, Public Works Minister, V. K. Ibrahimkunju, has said.

The Minister was reviewing the repair work in progress on various roads that have been damaged in the recent floods in the district at an official meeting held at the PWD Rest House auditorium in Thiruvalla on Tuesday.

Permission for digging up roads would have to be obtained from the co-ordination committee headed by the District Collector. Stern action would be taken against those who violate the rules and guidelines issued by the authorities concerned, he said.

Mr Ibrahimkunju said the Kanamala Bridge on the Erumely-Pampa road would be completed before the beginning of the forthcoming pilgrim season itself.

He said steps have been taken to complete the repair work on various roads leading to Sabarimala well before the beginning of the annual pilgrim season in mid-November. The government was exploring the possibility of sanctioning more funds for various repair and development works on the Sabarimala roads.

The Minister said Rs 37 crore has been sanctioned for the usual road repair works, besides Rs 43.75 crore for resurfacing of five roads, including two reaches of the Thiruvalla-Kumbazha Road.

Mr. Ibrahimkunju said the Cabinet has decided to ensure the quality of various road repair works taking place across the State. An expert team would inspect all roads that have been repaired or developed during the past one year period as part of this quality assurance programme and action would be taken against the contractor as well as the officials concerned, if any flaw was detected, he added.

Source: The Hindu, September 4, 2013