Private labs to test pipes for underground sewerage scheme
Cudallore:Collector Rajendra Ratnoo (third from left) inspecting quality of pipes being used in the underground sewerage system in Cuddalore on Saturday.In the wake of the controversy over the quality of pipes being used in the underground sewerage scheme in Cuddalore town, the administration has decided to get them tested by two reputed laboratories.
Collector Rajendra Ratnoo inspected the worksites on Saturday. Accompanied by officials of the Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board, the executing authority, Mr. Ratnoo went to Seetharam Nagar to see for himself the kind of pipes being used. V. Dhandapani, Superintending Engineer, TWAD Board, told the Collector that the stoneware pipes were the ones being used universally for underground sewerage systems. The same kind of pipes were laid on Anna Salai in Chennaiand had withstood heavy traffic and vagaries of nature.
Mr. Dhandapani said the sewerage system in Tiruchi was functioning without any hiccups for over three decades. If reinforced concrete pipes were used, the cost of the Cuddalore project might exceed Rs.100 crore as against the present estimate of Rs.40.40 crore. The RCC pipes would be laid in deeper gradients, beyond 3.5 feet depth, near sewage collection points.Mr. Ratnoo told reporters that what the officials said was prima facie correct. However, since the municipal councillors had raised doubts over the quality of pipes, steps would be taken to get them tested .The Collector named a private concern, S.G.S. India Pvt.Ltd, on Old Mahabalipuram Road at Thorapakkam in Chennai, for testing. The second agency would be identified soon. He further said the monitoring committee, comprising officials from various departments such as Public Works Department, would keep a tab on the progress of works.
