Ramban DM initiates criminal proceedings againstHCC

The District Magistrate, Ramban, Mohammad Aijaz today initiated criminal proceedings against Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) for "failing" to maintain the National Highway from Ramban to Banihal, "leading to road accidents" and "putting human life in danger."
The work of four-laning project from Km 150 to 187 was allotted to HCC under the conditions that the company also has to properly maintain the existing National Highway.
"But even after warnings and repeated instructions, the company has not properly maintained the road. The stretch is in a dilapidated condition and is marred by potholes, choked drainage system, lack of crash barriers, broken patches, slippage etc," an official spokesman said.

"The condition has resulted in loss of lives and property due to traffic accidents," he said.
He said the ADC Ramban and ARTO Ramban have also reported about the worst condition of the National Highwat stretch at vulnerable locations like Marog, near battery Chashma, Ankoli fall, Digdole, Panthyal, Gangroo, Nachilana and Sherbibi where several accidents have occurred due to its shrinkage and non-maintenance.
"In this regard a notice has been served to HCC for putting human life in danger due to careless and irresponsible working on the stretch from Ramban to Banihal," he said.
He said exercising powers vested with him, the District Magistrate has directed the HCC to show cause for "blatant disobedience of Maintenance Clause" of the contract agreement.

A committee has also been constituted by him to quantify the repair cost of the National highway stretch that may be imposed as criminal liability on the company in case of occurrence of any untoward incident.