Underpass: Cut water pipes hit work

Underpass: Cut water pipes hit work
Bangalore, dhns:
Trouble hit the project on Wednesday midnight, when workers accidentally cut BWSSB water pipes at the site.

The 72-hour deadline fixed to complete the pre-cast box technology underpass on T Chowdiah Road might be too stiff for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Trouble hit the project on Wednesday midnight, when workers accidentally cut BWSSB water pipes at the site. Water that gushed into the dug trenches spelled a mini disaster.

BBMP commissioner Dr S Subramanya had earlier announced that the pre-cast elements would be placed by Thursday evening. But delayed digging work disrupted the schedule. The Palike, with the help of BWSSB officers, arranged to pump out the water. But the process continued well past evening.

The broken water pipes had a cascading effect on the surrounding areas. Parts of Sadashivanagar, Malleshwaram, Sanjay Nagar and other localities were affected. BSNL landlines were also hit since the digging had damaged BSNL wires as well.

“It is difficult to notice how many pipeline connections are in the underground. Pipelines laid 40 year ago have been cut during the digging process. We never expected this. We have plugged the connections and efforts are being made to clear the water. For two-three days there will be disruption in water supply in the surrounding areas,” explained BWSSB chief engineer T Venkataraju.

But despite the unexpected disruptions, the Palike officers put up a brave face, unwilling to change their deadline. Chief Engineer (Major Roads) K S Krishna Reddy was confident of meeting the deadline. “We had informed BWSSB officers to stop water supply in the pipelines passing through T Chowdaiah Road. But they did not notice a few pipelines. However, we are making all efforts to complete the work as per schedule,” he said.

Palike commissioner Dr S Subramanya was also hopeful of finishing the work by Friday evening. “Digging is almost done. Placing of 20 elements takes around six hours. Once it is done, the only left out job is to asphalt the road. One day is more than enough for that. By Friday evening the underpass will be ready,” he added.