Constructing a retaining wall, an open stage? Let’s appoint a consultant

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has engaged 37 project management consultants (PMCs) even for regular civil works like construction of roads, deepening of a nullah etc.
This came to fore after eight different departments and public works department (PWD) of 10 zones submitted a report to the new municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe regarding PMCs appointed by the civic body.
Sources in the NMC said the trend of appointing consultants was started for preparing detailed project reports of big works involving high-level skilled work. They included Orange City Street, cement roads, JNNURM projects etc. The consultants were also given responsibility of ensuring timely completion of the works and maintaining quality. Now, even for petty works, the NMC is assigning PMC.
According to Laxmi Nagar zone’s report, the PWD appointed five PMCs for various works including renovation of two religious places and one community hall in Takiya slum. Despite having qualified engineers, the zone’s PWD has appointed a PMC to construct a 12m wide road from Yashodhara Nagar to Gadge Nagar.
The situation is no different in other zones. The Dharampeth zone has appointed four PMCs for different works including renovation of Indira Gandhi Rugnalayay, construction of Samvidhan Memorial near RBI and Jijau Smruti Research Organisation’s building. Like Laxmi Nagar zone, the Dharampeth zone’s PWD too has entrusted an agency to construct a 18m wide DP road in Hazaripahad.
Hanuman Nagar zone has appointed one PMC for widening, deepening and construction of retaining wall at Jambudeep nullah from Ayodhya Nagar to Manewada Ring Road.
Dhantoli zone has appointed one agency to carry out beautification and renovation of Rajabaksha Hanuman temple in Prabhag number 17.
The highest number of PMCs have been appointed by Ashi Nagar zone. It has entrusted five consultants for construction of two bridges, Indora Boudh Vihar, development of Mogli garden and construction of an open stage.
The Mangalwari zone has appointed one PMC for three different civil works including construction of a night shelter for urban homeless.
Lakadganj, Satranjipura, Gandhibagh and Nehru Nagar zones have not appointed any PMC for civic works. The works being carried out in these zones are being monitored by NMC engineers.
Likewise, slum rehabilitation authority, accounts and finance office, traffic, electric, town planning, water works, public works and executive engineer (project) departments have assigned 19 PMCs for various projects.