PWD – Uttarakhand Suspends Three Engineers Over Tons River Bridge Damage
PWD – The Uttarakhand Public Works Department has suspended three engineers after a newly built bridge approach road over the Tons River at Nanda Ki Chowki in Dehradun was severely damaged following heavy rain. The action follows a preliminary inquiry that pointed to technical shortcomings and inadequate supervision during the construction work.
The suspended officials include Executive Engineer Rajesh Kumar, Assistant Engineer Amit Kumar Tyagi and Junior Engineer Naveen Gairola. Their suspension orders were issued by PWD Secretary Pankaj Pandey on August 7.
Bridge Damaged Days After Reopening
The bridge, located at Premnagar’s Nanda Ki Chowki on the old Dehradun-Paonta Sahib National Highway, was opened to traffic on July 12. Just 16 days later, on the morning of July 28, heavy rainfall caused the approach road and part of the newly constructed structure to sink.
The project had been completed at an estimated cost of around Rs 16 crore. The damage soon after the bridge was reopened prompted the state authorities to examine whether construction and supervision standards had been properly followed.
Inquiry Points to Technical Shortcomings
According to the state government’s office order, the preliminary investigation identified several technical deficiencies connected with the work. Investigators found that the design consultant was expected to prepare a plan for diverting the river during construction, but the required design was not prepared.
The inquiry also noted that adequate river-training arrangements had not been carried out. Such measures were considered necessary because of the river’s flow pattern, the cross slope of its bed and its meandering course.
River Scouring Weakened Approach Road
The preliminary findings indicate that these shortcomings contributed to the concentration of water flow at a particular location near the bridge. This resulted in significant scouring on the upstream side of the bridge abutment.
The erosion eventually created a cavity underneath the approach road. With the supporting ground weakened, the road section subsided and collapsed. The findings have therefore raised questions about both the technical planning of the project and the monitoring of the construction process.
Government Cites Lapses in Supervision
The state government has described the matter, on a prima facie basis, as serious negligence in the handling of government works and a failure of proper supervision.
The order specifically states that Executive Engineer Rajesh Kumar did not adequately fulfill responsibilities related to technical oversight, quality control, adherence to contractual requirements and overall execution of the project.
Departmental Proceedings to Follow
In view of the seriousness of the findings, Rajesh Kumar has been placed under suspension with immediate effect under the Uttarakhand Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2003. Assistant Engineer Amit Kumar Tyagi and Junior Engineer Naveen Gairola have also been suspended in connection with the case.
The government has indicated that further departmental proceedings will be initiated against all three officials. The suspensions follow the preliminary inquiry and do not, by themselves, represent the conclusion of the departmental process.
Restrictions During Suspension
During the suspension period, the three officials will receive subsistence allowance in accordance with the applicable financial rules.
Rajesh Kumar has been attached to the office of the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department in Dehradun for the duration of his suspension. The government order also states that he cannot leave the designated headquarters without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority.