For the first time since the creation of Jharkhand, Government departments looked keen to adopt international standards and innovative methods of construction and for the purpose invited academicians and eminent personalities of construction industry to discuss suitable roadmap for the development of the State. The two-day summit was held by the departments of Road Construction and Building Construction.
Significantly, Chief Minister Hemant Soren emphasised on use of environment friendly technologies so that environment is not compromised while marching ahead on the path of development. Soren regretted lack of resources and asked the experts of the industry to suggest low cost technology available for infrastructure projects in the State. Soren said, “We are at par with many countries but terribly behind on resources needed for infrastructure projects.” So low cost and long lasting roads should be developed, he added.
Interestingly, while focusing on the best practices prevalent in the private sector the CM pulled up the Road Construction department- which is under him- for lacking the innovative style of planning and ignoring advancements in construction technology. “There is a difference between the style of functioning of a government department and a private entity. There is a need to connect the government machinery with technology,” added the CM suggesting disregard of modern technology by government departments.
The summit is significant for a state where roads are burdened with transport of minerals and deteriorates quickly as a result of poor maintenance. Notably, the department maintains around 1900 km of State Highway, 5100 km Major District Roads besides 500 km stretch of Other District Roads in Jharkhand.
“Roads should be developed keeping in view the heavy burden on them,” maintained Soren. Earlier, Principal Secretary of the road construction department Raja Bala Verma asked the delegates present to suggest a specific roadmap in the next two days so that the department can present the government with a viable and sustainable model for infrastructure projects. “We will prepare a policy (for development) based on the outcome of the two-day summit and will present it to the Chief Minister,” said Verma.
The Principal Secretary also laid emphasis on establishing equipment bank, builder’s meet in metro cities to make people aware of ongoing development projects in the State besides use of pre-fabricated material in the construction of building as a fast and effective method of putting up infrastructure in place. In the two-day summit academicians from IIT-Bombay, IIT Roorkee and other prestigious institutions will discuss modern techniques and best practices in the road & building construction industry.