Workshop on improvement of highway infrastructure organised

A Correspondent

Shillong, July 9: A one day awareness workshop on “Improvement of Highway Infrastructure and Slope Protection Measures in North Eastern Region with Innovative Concepts” was held on Monday at SMELC Conference Hall, Tura.

The workshop was held for Civil Engineers of Garo Hills District, Soil and Water Conservation and other related departments.

The programme was organised by Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Association (ATIRA) on behalf of Office of the Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India in collaboration with Public Works Department, Government of Meghalaya.

Speaking on the occasion, PS Barbora, in-charge NERC, ATIRA presented an overview of the “Scheme for Promoting Usage of Geotechnical Textile in North Eastern Region” its functions, objectives and the benefits of using Geotechnical Textile in civil engineering projects in the region.

Barbora stated,” The scheme which has been formulated by the Ministry of Textiles for promoting usage of Geotechnical Textile in the North East Region for five years from 2014-15 to 2018-19 with a financial outlay of 427 Crore has two components of which Component –I (Hard Intervention) with total outlay of Rs. 374 Crore and Component –II (Soft Interventions) with total outlay of Rs. 43 Crores.”

He also informed that the ultimate objective of the scheme is to promote and encourage adoption of modern, cost effective technology in north east and other regions of the country and improve the durability, function and life of infrastructure leading to savings in cost and time maintenance.

Speaking as the as chief guest, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Ram Singh said that “Considering the topography of the region, the government of India has launched the scheme in the year 2015 mainly for the north eastern region which aims to control soil erosion, protection of hill slope and reservoir lining for water retention during road construction.”

Singh therefore, urged the concerned officials to utilise these scheme properly and wherever necessary with the help of technical expert adding that the scheme should not go waste like few other projects implemented in the state.