Avinash Azad
Deputy Chief, Minister Surinder Choudhary has suspended engineers and blacklisted a contractor following a tragic culvert collapse in the Thatthar area of Bantalab, in Jammu distict of Jammu and Kashmir, which left atleast three labourers dead and one injured. One worker is still feared trapped under the debris, with rescue teams continuing operations at the site.
Choudhary, who rushed to the spot late at night, termed the incident deeply unfortunate and assured strict action against all those found responsible. Expressing grief over the loss of lives, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for them to have the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Taking prompt cognizance, the Deputy CM announced the suspension of the Junior Engineer (JE) and Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) concerned. He further directed that the contractor involved in the construction be blacklisted. A senior engineer has also been attached pending further inquiry.
The government has ordered a time-bound inquiry to be completed within five days. Choudhary stated that if any official—whether from the executing agency or other departments—is found guilty, stringent action, including dismissal from service, will be taken.
The Deputy CM revealed that the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department had earlier been alerted regarding seepage issues at the site. He warned that if negligence on the part of PHE officers is established, they too will face action. He said he would take up the matter with the Jal Shakti Minister separately if required.
Raising serious concerns over alleged financial irregularities, Choudhary pointed out that a project reportedly worth around ₹30 lakh had been grabbed by the contractor at nearly ₹18 lakh. He indicated that such discrepancies suggest gross violations in construction quality and accountability.
“To take work at abnormally low bids and then compromise on quality will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that both the contractor and the department share responsibility for ensuring safety and standards.
Apart from the departmental inquiry, the Deputy CM has also directed the Design Inspection & Quality Control (DIQC) wing to conduct an independent assessment of the construction quality to fix accountability at all levels.
Being in charge of the Labour portfolio as well, Choudhary said the Labour Department will initiate proceedings as per law against those responsible for endangering workers’ lives.
Senior officials, including engineers and police personnel, remain stationed at the site. The administration’s immediate priority is to recover the body of the missing labourer and ensure proper relief measures for the affected families. Reiterating the government’s tough stance, the Deputy CM said that responsibility will be fixed without bias. “Whether it is the contractor, engineers, or any department—no one will be spared if found guilty,” he asserted. Calling the loss of lives “irreparable,” he emphasized that such incidents must not recur and that strict enforcement of accountability is essential to prevent future tragedies.
