 Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 20: Scores of people, mostly laborers, had a narrow escape at Narwal Fruit Mandi in Jammu on Wednesday morning when the under construction main gate collapsed, raising eyebrows over the use of material for this mega structure.
Eyewitnesses said the gate, which was coming up around 40 feet tall and equally wide, collapsed when more than half of the work on the structure has been completed.
As the people ran for shelter, initially some of the construction workers were presumed buried under debris of the concrete, which "crumbled like a sand castle". Subsequently as people, mostly fruit traders, rushed to the spot, it was found that everyone was safe.
The gate being constructed in "reinforced concrete", was having stone exteriors, giving it a "magnificent look." While work on the side pillars has been completed, today a slab was to be laid above the pillars. But as the work started, the entire construction collapsed.
An engineer said the structure collapsed from the base of the pillar, hinting at the use of "substandard material in the construction right from foundation." "On the other hand, Bamboo shuttering was used instead of steel. This means the contractor and the site engineer were either unprofessional or into some hanky-panky," the engineer said.
Official sources said the gate was being constructed by the Horticulture Department Jammu at the cost of Rs 40 lakhs while half of the payment has already been released in favor of the contractor for his "good work".
The mandi traders took a serious note of the incident, adding that the government has taken this prime business hub for granted. Rajesh Gupta, the President Fruit Association Narwal said since day one the traders felt that substandard construction material was being used "but our pleas fell on deaf ears." "What if somebody had died under this collapse, who would be responsible for this crime being executed in the name of development," he said.
Gupta flanked by other traders appealed the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh to get a high level inquiry ordered into the matter and "other frauds at the Fruit mandi". "This is typical case of a scam, which could have cost human lives. How can government be silent to such a crimes and other frauds. We won't stay silent this time," he added.
Gupta said use of substandard material has become a rule of the day in Jammu province. "Last year blacktopping was done inside the Mandi but it broke apart within a month, and now this place is full of potholes again," he complained.
Despite repeated attempts, the concerned Executive Engineer didn't respond to phone calls. |
