Lucknow, May 19: In a significant move, the Uttar Pradesh government has blacklisted the construction agency NCC following the collapse of a water tank under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Bareilly. This decision comes after Water Power Minister Swatantra Dev Singh directed an investigation into the incident. Based on the preliminary report from the committee formed to probe the matter, both NCC and the third-party inspection agency, BLG Construction, have been barred from receiving new contracts.
While the agencies face serious repercussions, an FIR has also been filed against NCC and the inspection agency. Additionally, Kumkum, the Executive Engineer in Bareilly, has been suspended in connection with this incident.
Notably, the water tank collapsed on May 4 in the Alam Pur Jafraabad development block of Bareilly. Minister Singh has instructed officials to ensure high-quality standards for all existing and under-construction tanks across districts. A technical safety audit report is to be prepared by the third-party inspection agency. Furthermore, the minister has emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of projects by senior officials.
In light of the construction failures, Kumkum and two junior engineers from the Rural Water Corporation have also been suspended. A departmental inquiry will be initiated against these engineers. Additionally, two assistant engineers, who were outsourced for the project, have been dismissed.
The in-charge of the third-party inspection agency, BLG Construction Services, has been terminated with immediate effect. Alongside the blacklisting, Minister Singh has instructed departmental officials to impose penalties on the construction agency.
NCC will face a penalty of 5% of the total project cost, and the firm is required to construct a new water tank at its own expense. The third-party inspection agency will incur a 1% penalty as well.
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