NHAI repairs pipelines damaged during roadworks in North Paravur

Kochi: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on Thursday repaired the drinking water distribution pipelines that were damaged during NH 66 development works at Perumpadanna in North Paravur a couple of days ago. The swift action came after municipal authorities warned the central agency that they would stage a protest and block construction works if pipelines were not repaired.Municipal chairman Ramesh D Kurup on Wednesday had submitted a formal memorandum to district collector G Priyanka demanding immediate accountability by NHAI. "The carelessness of the contractor has left 24 houses without potable water for over a day. The pipelines were ruptured while they used an excavator without checking for underground utilities. The municipality issued a formal advisory to NHAI, demanding stricter oversight and better coordination to ensure that the basic amenities of residents are not affected," Kurup said. By Thursday afternoon, NHAI repaired the damaged pipelines, restoring the water connection to all affected houses. It has also agreed to reconstruct a private compound wall that had collapsed due to the use of heavy machinery. Authorities have directed NHAI to exercise greater caution in future phases to prevent further damage to public utility networks and private property. The widening of 26km long Edappally-Moothakunnam stretch of NH 66 has been delayed due to scarcity of red soil. NHAI has now resolved the issue and directed contractors to speed up the construction works in the reach. Only 66% of work has been completed though the authorities aim to complete the widening activities by Aug.