KANPUR. A high-voltage inspection turned chaotic at the historic Nana Rao Ghat, also known as Maskar Ghat, located in the Cantonment area of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. On Monday, during an official visit to review the ongoing beautification work, Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Ramesh Awasthi lost his temper upon witnessing shoddy construction standards and poor sanitation at the site. The parliamentarian openly questioned the quality of the tiles used and the overall management, demanding immediate explanations from the officials and contractors present.
Earlier, the beautification project of Nana Rao Ghat was jointly inaugurated by MP Ramesh Awasthi and Member of Legislative Council Salil Sunil Vishnoi. Immediately following the inauguration ceremony, both leaders undertook a tour to inspect the premises. However, their satisfaction turned to dismay when they discovered filth inside the women's changing rooms and noticed the substandard quality of the tiles fitted across the area, triggering sharp criticism from the lawmaker.
Questions Raised Over Cleanliness and Tile Quality
During the inspection walk, the MP closely scrutinized the ongoing development work. Finding heaps of garbage in and around the women's changing rooms, he grilled officials regarding the dismal maintenance standards. He also raised serious objections regarding the durability and grade of the tiles installed on the pathways. The MP questioned the contractor about the specific company awarded the contract and the execution process. Furthermore, he sought details from the departmental officers concerning the monitoring mechanisms and quality checks in place during construction.
Tourism Department Project Manager Faces Severe Rebuke
When officials representing the tourism department arrived at the location, the MP delivered a severe reprimand to the project manager. Expressing his displeasure, he pointed out that not a single responsible official from the tourism department was present during such an important inauguration event, and the ground arrangements were in complete disarray. Alleging irregularities in the execution of work, he declared that a thorough probe would be ordered. Awasthi made it clear that compromises regarding construction quality under the guise of developing a historical site would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Inquiry Demanded Into Contractor Selection
The parliamentarian also questioned the Cantonment Board junior engineer stationed at the site regarding the selection process of the contractor and the firm entrusted with the project. The junior engineer replied that he had been posted to the area only recently. Following this exchange, the MP called for a formal inquiry against the concerned contractor and the executing company, insisting on strict disciplinary measures.
Beautification Undertaken at an Estimated Cost of One Crore Rupees
The beautification project at Nana Rao Ghat within the Cantonment zone is being executed under the supervision of the tourism department. Reports indicate that approximately one crore rupees is being spent on this initiative. The project aims to develop the historically significant site into a prominent tourist attraction. Nana Rao Ghat holds deep historical ties to the freedom movement of 1857, making its preservation and development a matter of local significance.
Warning of Strict Action Against Lapses
MP Ramesh Awasthi emphasized that quality is paramount when public funds are utilized for developmental projects. He asserted that if any deviation from established norms or irregularities is uncovered in the investigation, accountability must be fixed and strict action taken against the culprits. He stated that he would formally write to the concerned authorities to initiate an inquiry and recommend punitive measures wherever discrepancies are found.
Substandard Work at Historical Landmarks Will Not Be Spared
Concluding his inspection, Awasthi reiterated that Nana Rao Ghat is not merely a construction site but an integral part of Kanpur's heritage. Using substandard materials or mismanaging public funds in the name of historical restoration is completely unacceptable. He instructed officials to rectify the ground conditions immediately and ensure rigorous oversight, adding that the outcome of the impending investigation will dictate the next course of action against anyone found flouting norms.
