NHAI team inspects rectification works to set right water flow of PAP Canal beneath bridges across NH 81

NHAI team inspects rectification works to set right water flow of PAP Canal beneath bridges across NH 81

A team of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials led by Superintending Engineer Dakshinamoorthy on Monday inspected the works undertaken to address apparent shortcomings in the construction of culverts, vents and parapet walls across PAP Canal, from Kangayam to Vellakovil, during the course of the expansion of National Highway 81 between Coimbatore to Karur that is being carried out at a cost of ₹230 crore.

In the process of widening the road from two lane with paved shoulder to four lane with paved shoulder, the NHAI has overlooked road safety as well, said P. Velusamy, president, Elected Water Users Association - Parambikulam Aliyaru Irrigation Project.

The modified bridges were not serving intended purpose. Also, the NHAI had not taken the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department on board, while carrying out the works, he alleged.

Following the first inspection on December 26, Mr. Velusamy explained what he described as “engineering shortcomings” that also had a bearing on the road safety. Road expansion unmindful of location of wells on the edges, construction of bridges at low ground level, non-adjustment of road alignments, insufficient passage for entry of rainwater into the culverts, and water stagnation in the culverts were listed as shortcomings that required rectification, in his petition.

Following the two inspections, the NHAI had carried out barricading of the wells, and clearing of vents.

There was more work to be done. The NHAI is understood to have taken cognisance of the need to merging difference in levels of channel sill level and box culvert sill level, reconstruction of damaged parapet wall, construction of catch pit, extension of water protection wall, and rectification of concrete lining.