PCC raises concern over deteriorating road infra

Office-bearers of the Pollution Control Committee (PCC) have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of city roads, alleging that poor engineering practices and lack of supervision are the primary reasons behind their frequent damage. Pollution Control Committee president PS Bhatty said after extensive discussions, it was concluded that multiple factors contribute to the poor state of roads in Amritsar and other parts of the district. He alleged that road projects are largely handled by unskilled contractors with no proper checks or monitoring of their execution.

Explaining the technical issues, Parkash Singh Bhatty said tar and concrete are mixed at hot mix plants to bind road surfaces, but contractors often use cheaper petrochemicals in place of quality tar. “Tar is not used in the right proportion, which weakens the binding of concrete and reduces durability. Water then becomes the first enemy of tar, loosening the surface and damaging the road carpet,” he said.

He said improper levelling and lack of water discharge planning cause waterlogging from rain, household drainage and car wash run-off, further accelerating road damage. “No road is laid with any sense of levelling. As a result, water collects on the surface and weakens the structure,” he remarked.

The committee also criticised the role of civil work departments of government agencies, alleging that officials act as “commission agents” rather than ensuring quality work. Bhatty claimed that frequent digging of roads for water supply, sewerage, under-ground cable laying and gas pipeline projects is carried out without proper restoration.