Acquire land, get approval from local bodies before starting projects: PWD to officials

The Public Works Department has directed officials to award projects only after the process of land possession is completed and local body approvals are taken. In an office memorandum issued on June 27, the department said it will help avoid disputes that result in arbitrations.It has been observed that work is awarded without ensuring the availability of encumbrance-free land and local body approvals.

The Public Works Department has directed officials to award projects only after the process of land possession is completed and local body approvals are taken. In an office memorandum issued on June 27, the department said it will help avoid disputes that result in arbitrations.

''It has been observed that work is awarded without ensuring the availability of encumbrance-free land and local body approvals. Due to this, disputes arise with contractors that result in arbitrations and other complications.

''Sometimes, the contracts are required to be foreclosed even without the start of work due to non-availability of site/land and non-approval of regulatory bodies such as MCD, DUACs, DDA, DPCC, and DFS,'' it noted.

The memorandum cited a provision in the CPWD Manual 2022 that specifies the requirements before the approval of NIT which should be strictly followed. According to the provision, the availability of site/land and other approvals are needed.

''Therefore, it is directed that availability of encumbrance-free land and approval of local bodies must be ensured before awarding of work,'' it said.