What Actions is the Gujarat Government Taking After the Vadodara Tragedy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Immediate inspections of roads and bridges across Gujarat.
- Accountability measures for contractors responsible for poor infrastructure.
- A statewide campaign for urgent repairs is currently underway.
- Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasizes public safety.
- Strict actions against negligent practices will be enforced.
Gandhinagar, July 15 (NationPress) Following the tragic incident in Vadodara that resulted in the loss of more than 12 lives, the Gujarat government has initiated a comprehensive state-wide review aimed at the urgent repair and inspection of roads and bridges.
In response to directives from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, district officials and municipal bodies have been instructed to promptly identify and address weaknesses in infrastructure to prevent future accidents.
A vigorous campaign to rehabilitate damaged roads and bridges is currently in full swing.
The Chief Minister has emphasized that lapses in construction or maintenance will face stringent penalties, mandating district collectors and senior officials to take decisive action against contractors responsible for inferior work.
For instance, in Jamnagar, roads resurfaced in May 2022, including segments from Kamdar Colony to Satyam Colony, have already begun to deteriorate.
In light of this, the Municipal Corporation has issued notices to contractors since these roads are still under the Defect Liability Period. Repairs covering nearly 1,520 sq. meters of road surface are now being executed at the contractor's expense under specific contract clauses.
Similar corrective actions are being observed in Bhavnagar, where a road project between Rammantra Mandir and Dilbahar Water Tank, completed by Om Construction in January 2022, started exhibiting faults. Authorities intervened to ensure that defective areas were re-carpeted at the contractor's expense.
In Junagadh, the monsoon rains severely impacted roads across Wards 1 to 15, despite many being under warranty. Contractors were found remiss in their patchwork and surfacing duties, including essential painting or thermoplastic work. The city corporation responded with stern notices, mandating contractors to redo significant sections.
Moreover, prior to the monsoon, Junagadh officials instructed a private firm to cease any new road excavations for underground drainage and to adequately restore previously dug areas using the appropriate materials and techniques.
Chief Minister Patel has also urged all municipal commissioners, district collectors, and civic leaders throughout Gujarat to perform immediate and thorough safety inspections of roads, bridges, and related infrastructure in the public interest.