Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, SEP 28:

The All Arunachal Pradesh Socially Working Association (AAPSWA) has raised serious concerns over the execution of the anti-erosion protection project from Jullang towards Naharlagun, alleging deviations from the approved DPR, design and prescribed construction specifications.

Addressing the media here on Monday, AAPSWA president Tajam Sono said the project, sanctioned at an estimated cost of around Rs 788 crore, has been divided into four reaches and is being executed by the WRD Itanagar Division under the centrally sponsored Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

The project was sanctioned in 2024 and is scheduled for completion by March 2027. The NIT was issued for around Rs 783 crore in 2025, and the work was awarded to M/s Samco Construction, he added

Sono claimed that the association has been monitoring the project since its inception and, during repeated site observations, noticed several alleged deviations from the approved DPR, drawings, BOQ and construction requirements.

Among the concerns raised by the association are alleged reductions in the length of cutoff walls and slab dimensions at certain locations, variations in the height of counterfort walls, improper provision and execution of weep holes, unsystematic panelling, and inadequate filter media and backfilling.

The association also alleged that payments may have been made against certain work items despite the corresponding physical works, particularly backfilling and filter media, appearing incomplete at some locations. It further claimed that launching apron work has not commenced at certain sites and that work in some reaches is yet to begin.

AAPSWA also raised concerns over alleged damage to gabion protection works at certain locations due to river water and questioned the quality of cement, reinforcement steel and concrete used in the project. It demanded independent laboratory testing of construction materials and concrete strength.

The association further claimed that some structural components appeared inconsistent with site requirements and called for a technical examination of the use of rectangular counterfort arrangements in curved areas.

Sono said the concerns had already been brought to the notice of the concerned WRD divisional office, senior departmental authorities, the WRD Secretary and the concerned Minister through representations. However, he claimed that a comprehensive and independent technical verification has not yet been conducted.

Sono stressed that the association was not opposed to the anti-erosion project but demanded proper utilisation of public funds and adherence to approved technical standards.

The association demanded an immediate stoppage of further release of funds and payments for the remaining works until the entire project is physically, financially and technically re-verified by an independent competent authority.

AAPSWA also sought joint measurement and technical verification of all four reaches against the approved DPR, drawings, BOQ, sanctioned estimate and NIT, covering cutoff walls, slabs, counterfort walls, wing walls, weep holes, filter media, backfilling, launching aprons, gabions and other major components.

Since the project is centrally sponsored, the association demanded independent verification by the competent Government of India authorities. It also sought rectification or reconstruction of any defective work found during the verification.

The association further called for a high-level inquiry into the planning, tendering, execution, measurement, supervision, quality control, certification and payment of the project, besides fixing responsibility on officials if negligence or dereliction of duty is established.

AAPSWA also demanded examination by competent vigilance authorities into the allegations concerning technical execution, measurement, certification and payment. It said appropriate investigating agencies should be approached if any inquiry establishes prima facie evidence of serious financial misconduct or other offences.

The association also sought appropriate action against the contractor if serious contractual, technical or quality violations are established through an independent inquiry.

AAPSWA demanded that the findings of the technical and financial verification be made public to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds.

The association warned that if appropriate action is not taken despite its representations and supporting documents, it would pursue lawful remedies, including approaching the High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an independent inquiry, technical verification, accountability and rectification of defective works.

It said the complete matter, along with the DPR, representations, photographs, site observations and other documents, would also be placed before the concerned authorities in New Delhi.

AAPSWA reiterated that its objective is to ensure that public funds are protected and that the safety of people in Jullang Valley and downstream areas is not compromised due to alleged deficiencies in the execution of the project.