Rains leave Telangana’s Panchayat Raj, R&B departments with daunting task

Heavy rains have caused severe damage to roads across Telangana, with over 700 km battered. Panchayat Raj and R&B departments estimate repair costs above Rs 800 crore, but contractors are unwilling to take up works citing delayed payments and pending bills

Hyderabad: The heavy rains lashing the State over the past few days have left the Panchayat Raj and Roads and Buildings (R&B) departments with the daunting task of repairing extensive damage to roads and structures.

Apart from securing funds, both departments are now faced with the challenge of convincing contractors to take up work. Many contractors, who had earlier executed projects, are reluctant to take on fresh assignments, citing delays in clearing pending bills.

Earlier this summer, the R&B department had floated tenders for recarpeting damaged stretches and laying new roads at various locations. The response was poor, forcing the department to recall the tenders thrice, and even now, several works remain ungrounded.

The Panchayat Raj department has encountered a similar situation, with limited contractor interest in the works planned. The recent rains have left many roads, including those connecting mandals and villages, battered at multiple locations across the State.

Under the Panchayat Raj department limits, officials identified 96.55 km of severely damaged roads this season. Breaches were reported at 60 bunds and culverts, while 88 construction and development works were disrupted. Temporary and permanent works have been estimated at a cumulative Rs 148 crore.

Within the R&B department limits, officials recorded damage to 629 km of road length till August 16. Breaches were identified at 22 locations, streams were overflowing at 171 spots, and construction works were damaged at 147 locations. Of these, officials said breaches had been restored at 22 locations and overflow receded at 124.

The department has prepared estimates of Rs 678.86 crore for permanent repairs and restoration, besides Rs 28.70 crore for temporary works across the State.