Vigilance conducts surprise inspections on roads, fraud in construction materials, officials and contractors colluding

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The surprise inspections conducted by the Vigilance have revealed massive irregularities in the construction of roads under various departments, including the Public Works Department in the state. The Vigilance officials found that materials were not added in the same quantity as mentioned in the estimate. The Vigilance also found that officials and contractors are colluding in construction works. The inspection under the name 'Operation Saral Rasta 2' was carried out on 116 roads under the National Highways, Public Works and Local Bodies departments.

It was also found that construction of new roads was done without using grade metal and a fixed amount of tar. This can lead to reduced life of roads and the formation of potholes. The Vigilance collected core cut samples of tar from selected roads that got damaged within six months of repair.

The samples were sent to the lab to determine the ingredients used in each layer and how they were mixed. As soon as the reports are received, the irregularities will be clarified with the help of technical experts. Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham informed that further action would be taken after checking whether the contractors have been paid more and whether the work has been completed in accordance with the quality of the tender. The inspection led by Vigilance Intelligence Wing SP ES Bijumon was based on complaints of roads getting damaged within months.

Inspected roads

Thiruvananthapuram-15, Kollam-6, Pathanamthitta-8, Alappuzha-5, Kottayam-3, Idukki-3, Ernakulam-5, Thrissur-3, Palakkad-3, Malappuram-4, Kozhikode-17, Wayanad- 6, Kannur- 32, Kasaragod-6.