The two main civil contractors of the Kochi Metro have been told to clear debris and other idling materials from work sites within 10 days, in line with safety and air pollution norms.
The contractors have been directed to undertake a special drive for the purpose in view of complaints from the public about shabby treatment of work sites. “All work sites must be clean and safe by Vishu [April 14]. Instructions have been issued to contractors to sprinkle water at least twice a day at work sites to control air pollution,” sources said.
The renewed emphasis on safety comes in the backdrop of a KSRTC bus ramming a pipe used for scaffolding at a metro site in Kaloor on Tuesday night.
The accident occurred after a barricade pipe was temporarily removed for a crane to exit the work site.
ADVERTISEMENT
Road safety expert C.J. Johnson said care must be taken to fully cover all work sites using metal barricades. “This will prevent slush and other debris from entering the road, producing dust and posing health hazards. Both the KMRL and the DMRC should stop passing the buck and make a concerted bid to create a clean and safe metro corridor. The State Pollution Control Board too should take a proactive stance,” he added.
On the risk of not ensuring visibility and metal barricades that extend out of work sites, sources in a contracting firm said it was aware of it. “Every effort will be made to install reflectors and lights to warn motorists of imminent work sites,” they added.
Sign boards absent
On the absence of sign boards that direct motorists to median cuttings at U-turns and junctions on the metro corridor and the resultant confusion, City Traffic Police Assistant Commissioner K.S. Baby Vinod said the police and metro contractors had conducted a joint inspection of the corridor. “We have given them the list of spots where such sign boards have to be installed,” he said.
Water to be sprinkled twice a day at work sites to control air pollution