State panel raps BMC for delay in repairs of old bridges……..Bhavika Jain
A state-appointed expert committee rapped the civic body for its inaction on the flyovers that were declared as dilapidated more than a year ago by the BMC-appointed consultants.
The Standing Technical Advisory Committee had conducted visual inspection of 253 flyovers, foot over-bridges, railway over-bridges and subways in 2007 and had found that most of the bridges were dilapidated and needed urgent repairs.
Post-inspection they had given recommendations to the civic body, one of which was that it should undertake physical inspection of all these structures and conduct detailed survey of the dilapidated ones to decide how they could be repaired.
The physical survey was undertaken in April 2009, but the detailed survey has not been done. There were more than 58 bridges categorised as dilapidated, but the civic body has failed to appoint the consultants who would conduct detailed survey and suggest repairs, said committee chairman N.V. Merani, former public works department secretary.
The committee met the officials of the road department on Thursday and the compliance of the committees recommendations, made three years ago, was discussed.
The civic roads department has promised us that the repair work on flyovers will begin after monsoon. But seeing the current scenario its unlikely, said a committee member.
In the meeting three manuals for roads, flyovers and subways were released. These will act as check list to check quality of roads and flyovers.
The MMRDA will be handing over four bridges, coming up over Ambedkar Road, by year-end to the BMC for maintenance. The BMC needs more planning and manpower to maintain these new bridges, added Merani.
The committee said the BMC must inspect old bridges every five years. The newer ones will be audited after 10 years. The committee had also recommended a dedicated staff to plan and design the bridges in the city which still hasnt been put in place.