Srinagar, Aug 1: What began with a prolonged tender impasse has now run into another roadblock. Jammu and Kashmir’s macadamization drive, delayed for nearly two months over a dispute in the tendering process, is now being hampered by persistent wet weather, thereby slowing progress on execution of road works across several parts of the Union Territory.
The government had approved a massive macadamization plan worth Rs 223 crore in May, including Rs 155.83 crore earmarked for macadamization during the current financial year. The process, however, remained stalled as the contractors boycotted tenders, citing unviable rates in view of rising input costs.
The impasse ended after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held discussions with representatives of the J&K Hot Mix Plant Association, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed. Following the meeting, contractors decided to participate in the tendering process, paving the way for the commencement of macadamization works.
The delay had left roads across Jammu and Kashmir riddled with potholes, causing traffic congestion, vehicle damage and inconvenience to commuters. Although the tender issue has now been resolved, continuous rainfall over the past several days has affected road conditions and hampered the pace of macadamization works in several areas, delaying much-needed relief for commuters.
Jammu and Kashmir is currently witnessing frequent wet spells, which has led to the flash floods and landslides at multiple places in the past more than one week. The roads have also got inundated frequently, which has simultaneously hampered the macadamization process across the Union Territory.
An official from the Roads and Building (R&B) department informed Rising Kashmir that the prevailing weather conditions have forced the pause in the macadamization process.
“We are all ready. The men and machinery have been on toes. We are expecting relief from the present weather situation and the work would be started again with a pace to ensure that all the roads planned to be macadamized this year will be completed,” the official said.
