PWD yet to initiate pre-monsoon repair works

Thiruvananthapuram: Only a few weeks remain for the onset of southwest monsoon. As per the forecast of India meteorological department, the monsoon will hit the state by June 6. However, the public works department (PWD) has not started the routine pre-monsoon works.
The PWD has given request for administrative sanction for pre-monsoon works recently. Sources in PWD said that they have not received the administrative sanction and would tender the works once they get sanction. However, it is not clear whether the work would take off before the onset of monsoon.
Major pre-monsoon works include clearing of drains to ensure smooth flow of storm water, and cutting of trees and tree branches which pose a threat to lives and property.
Sources said that improper maintenance of drains, which results in overflowing of storm water, is the major reason for deterioration of roads after monsoon.
PWD has also lost three crucial months due to the enforcement of election code of conduct. “Most of the works of PWD are usually carried out during the summer. It is the time where the condition is most favourable due the absence of rain. However, we lost some crucial time due to the Lok Sabha elections,” said an official.
As the election code of conduct was relaxed for around 19 road works, the PWD is all set to initiate tender proceedings for the works. However, the approaching monsoon may affect the plans of PWD to start new works.
PWD officials, meanwhile, claimed that the city roads are in better condition after it completed patch works during summer. “Usually pothole-filling works happen ahead of monsoon. However, city roads are in a better condition now after we completed patch works some months ago. Most of the roads are pothole-free,” the official said.
Usually, PWD introduces a digging ban every year during monsoon to reduce accidents. It will not give permission to Kerala water authority or telecom agencies to dig roads for utility works to avoid accidents caused due to formation of trenches and pits on roads.