Kolkata: The planning branch of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Nabanna will act tough against officers found negligent in repairing potholes or ditches on roads under their respective jurisdiction.
The move comes as a number of roads maintained by the PWD are in bad shape in spite a circular, issuing directives for immediate repair of potholes and ditches, was issued on January 15.
The circular was issued by Principal Secretary, Public Works Department, Arnab Roy.
"All field level PWD engineering officers should be serious about repairing roads maintained by the department. If it is found that roads are damaged and no action had been taken for repair, strict disciplinary action would be taken against the errant officers," the circular read.
It further states: "Preparation or submission of project estimates, tender under process for project estimates or issuance of tender acceptance letter pending with the department should not be an excuse for any field level officer to evade their duties and responsibilities. Project preparation and issuance of work order will proceed as usual. However, no roads have potholes."
The circular further clarifies that there is a scheme to get funds under administrative expenditure head of account to keep the 'assets' damage free and also maintain the 'assets'.
A source in Nabanna said Roy had requested all superintending engineers of PWD to monitor the matter and submit a report on a fortnight basis to the respective zonal chief engineer about the condition of the roads under their respective jurisdiction.
Zonal Chief Engineers will send the consolidated report to the department through respective head quarter chief engineers every month.