G.O.(Ms.)No.16, Reconstruction of Bridge of Lower Bhavani Project Main Canal, 2008

What the government approved

Government Order (Ms.) Number 16 of the Public Works (S1) Department, dated 22 January 2008, approves the reconstruction of a bridge at Mile 26-5-420 of the Lower Bhavani Project Main Canal in Kurumandur Village, Gopichettipalayam Taluk, Erode District. The Government accepted the proposal of the Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources Organisation and Chief Engineer (General), Public Works Department, and granted administrative sanction for an estimated cost of Rs.60.00 lakhs.

Nature and purpose of the work

The Public Works Department proposal describes the project as a single lane bridge designed for I.R.C. Class AA loading. It is intended to replace an existing dilapidated footbridge where the Nadupalayam to Molapalayam road crosses the Lower Bhavani Main Canal.

The stated reasons and specifications include:

• The crossing is described as the only available access to the nearby town of Gopichettipalayam.
• The reconstructed bridge is expected to benefit the public and students.
• The estimate was based on the schedule of rates for 2007-2008.
• The proposal states that the scheme does not require land acquisition.

Relevance to landowners and buyers

Government Order (Ms.) Number 16 does not approve acquisition of private land for the bridge project. Property owners and buyers in Kurumandur Village should note that the government proposal expressly records that land acquisition is not required. The document does not identify any private survey number, property boundary or parcel for acquisition.

Funding and financial controls

The sanctioned expenditure is assigned to a new minor subhead under capital outlay on major and medium irrigation for the Lower Bhavani Project. The expenditure is treated as a New Service requiring approval of the Legislature.

Pending legislative approval, the document directs that expenditure initially be met through an advance from the Contingency Fund, with separate orders to be issued by the Finance Department. It also requires explanatory notes for inclusion in the Final Supplementary Estimates for 2007-2008.

The Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources Organisation and Chief Engineer (General), Public Works Department, is designated as the estimating, reconciling and controlling authority. Provisions for P.S. charges and unforeseen items together must not exceed 2.5% of the total work cost, and provision for variation of quantity rates is disallowed.