HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, July 22: The Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organisation (APYO) has demanded immediate corrective action against alleged substandard construction work being carried out on the under-construction flyovers under Package-B of National Highway 415 in Naharlagun.
The organisation has also threatened to launch a democratic movement if the authorities fail to address the issue within a stipulated time.
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In an official statement issued following a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club on Tuesday afternoon, APYO president Kipa Kanam expressed serious concern over the quality of work being executed by the construction firm M/S Woodhill Shivam and supervised by the monitoring agency AECOM JV.
He alleged that materials not conforming to the prescribed guidelines of flyover construction were being used, raising fears of structural instability and potential loss of life and property.
“We are not against the development work being undertaken. However, we are deeply concerned that if the flyovers are not constructed in strict adherence to national standards, they could pose a serious threat in the future. In case of a structural collapse, who will be held responsible?” Kanam questioned.
The youth body specifically pointed out that 18 pillars in the middle of Naharlagun township have allegedly been constructed in violation of laid down specifications, raising doubts over their structural integrity.
“The presence of these 18 pillars, which appear to be poorly constructed, has led us to question the overall durability and quality of the entire Package-B stretch,” the APYO statement read.
The organisation confirmed that it has submitted formal complaints regarding the matter to the Chief Minister, the Chief Engineer of Highways, and other concerned authorities.
The APYO has demanded an immediate halt to any ongoing work on these 18 pillars and their complete removal, citing public safety concerns.
The APYO has also met with the Capital Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu and submitted a detailed memorandum outlining their concerns.
Following this, the Deputy Commissioner reportedly constituted a committee to examine the allegations.
The organisation has now urged the committee to expedite its investigation and submit its findings at the earliest.
“We demand that strict action be taken against all erring officials involved in the supervision and execution of the Package-B flyover work. Those not complying with the construction norms must be suspended immediately,” said Kanam.
The APYO further criticised the monitoring agency AECOM JV for allegedly failing in its responsibility to ensure proper oversight.
“While AECOM JV had undertaken the responsibility for quality control, the present state of the flyover construction is unacceptable. We insist that the 18 pillars be reconstructed using proper materials within 15 days. If this demand is not fulfilled, we will be compelled to launch a democratic agitation,” the organisation stated.
The press release concluded with a call for transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to construction norms to prevent any future mishaps and to ensure public trust in large-scale infrastructure projects within the Capital region.
