Tumakuru/Tiptur: Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy on Thursday inspected ongoing works of the Etthinahole project near Tiptur and set an end-October deadline for completing delayed works, warning contractors and officials of strict action for further slippage.
The minister inspected Package-18 works at Choudlapura near Tiptur and the elevated trough being constructed near the Tiptur bypass. He said excuses for delays would not be accepted and directed officials to ensure completion within the stipulated deadline.
Minister walks over 1km to inspect works
Despite suffering from leg pain, Cheluvarayaswamy travelled through hilly and difficult terrain and walked more than a kilometre to inspect various stages of construction between Km 127 and 137 at Choudlapura.
Officials told him that work in the area had remained stalled for nearly two years due to issues related to land-acquisition documents. The hurdles have now been resolved and construction has resumed at a faster pace, they said.
Package-18 records 86% progress
The Rs 606-crore Package-18 has achieved around 86% progress, officials said. Construction includes a 22-metre-deep deep cut with lining works and a cut-and-cover structure near the highway.
Work is currently being carried out for nearly 22 hours a day, officials said. Since there are no major hurdles up to Tumakuru, the minister directed the authorities to complete the works in this stretch by October.
Elevated trough gets strict deadline
Cheluvarayaswamy also inspected the elevated trough being constructed over the National Highway near the Tiptur bypass to carry Etthinahole water.
Expressing displeasure over the work remaining incomplete for nearly three years, he directed the contractor and officials to complete it by the end of October.
As the work is being executed along the National Highway, he instructed officials to ensure that vehicular movement is not disrupted.
The minister warned that any further delay would invite direct action against the contractor and officials concerned.
Hassan district in-charge minister Shivalingegowda, Tiptur MLA Shadakshari and senior officials of the Water Resources Department were present during the inspection.
