Plastics yet to be introduced in road construction
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 20 2018:
Even though there is a recommendation to use plastics in construction of roads in the State under PMGSY so as to reduce pollution caused by plastics, the same could not be translated into action as yet due to absence of plastic supplier, said Rural Engineering Department Chief Engineer Th Nandakishore.
Briefing media persons at a press meet organised by DIPR at their Moirangkhom complex today, Nandakishore said that the Central Government instructed all States louse waste plastics in road construction in order to reduce pollution caused by plastics.
Plastics which should be used in road construction cannot be brought from outside the State.
But there is no firm/agency in the State which can supply washed and shredded plastics.
If there is a supplier, the department would accept their supply, said the Chief Engineer.
Nonetheless, certain quantity of plastics can be obtained from the Lamdeng Solid Waste Management Plant once the plant becomes operational.
With a view to reduce environmental pollution, the department has introduced cold mix technology in black topping roads and these roads are fit for movement of vehicles which are 8.2 tonnes heavy or lesser, Nandakishore said.
These roads would break down and wear out sooner if there is frequent movement of heavier vehicles, said the Chief Engineer and added that Manipur has qualified for the PMGSY-II.
Under PMGSY-II, construction of 500 Kms of roads with 5.5m width would begin soon.
Even though the State witnessed floods multiple times last year, the department was able to construct 731 Kms of road at the rate of 2 Kms per day, he claimed.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Joint Secretary Somorjit Salam said that MGNREGS workers got 12 days of work last year but the State Govt has been working to increase the number of work-days to 75 this year.
He said that works done under MGNREGS are monitored using geo-tagging technology.
Under Secretary (Rural Development) Bidyarani Ayekpam appealed to all MGNREGS job card holders to obtain bank passbooks as well as ATM cards.