RTI activist exposes various flaws in India's first Integrated Check Post

Times of India: Amritsar: Friday, May 31, 2013.

Various structural flaws and use of poor material in the construction of India's first Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the cost of Rs 104 crore at Attari has come to light through RTI.

Within two weeks after operationlization of cargo terminal on April, 9, 2012, the manger, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), ICP Rameshwar AR had sent a letter to regional manager, CWC detailing that the floor area of godown number 1B and C had caved in.

The information received through RTI by advocate and RTI activist PC Sharma on May 18th revealed that CWC, ICP, manager Rameshwar AR in a letter written to the regional manager, CWC, Chandigarh on April 24th, 2012 had stated that "On date Rites has started the repair of the godown number 1B but godown number 1C's condition is deteriorating". He also complained of the leakage in the godowns.

"In the recent past leakage from the roof in godown number 1B and 2C is found". He also wrote that Rites had constructed three godown in ICP where they had constructed a U shape area on the north side wall of every godown up to the height of eight feet which leads to high risk to the stock stores in these godowns as anybody could enter into the godown by jumping over the wall area.

"Besides insurance point of view godown should be constructed with perfect partition wall" wrote he. He had also mentioned that the loose cargo of gypsum and clinker was being stored in the open designated area which was low lying "Importers and Customs House Agents are demanding pucca platform area for the storage of their import cargo" wrote he. He had also complained about non installation of CCTV cameras.

When contacted Rameshwar said on Thursday that most of the repair work had been done so far however he said CCTV camera's were yet to be installed. On the other hand Sharma has demanded to hold an inquiry into the alleged use of poor construction material in the construction of ICP and remove the structural flaws immediately. He said he would also take up the issue with the concerned ministry.