VMC issues notices to 13 engineers over ‘negligence’ in civic works

Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has issued notices to 16 engineers for alleged negligence in carrying out their duties and for failing to follow prescribed service rules, amid growing complaints over civic infrastructure and public services.

The action follows repeated instructions from Municipal Commissioner to engineers to improve supervision and ensure timely resolution of civic issues. Despite this, residents continue to face problems related to roads, drainage and water supply across various parts of the city.

Several projects have reportedly failed to meet deadlines, while inadequate supervision has allegedly allowed contractors to carry out substandard work. In several areas, necessary patchwork has not been undertaken after completion of road-related works, leaving potholes unattended.

Citizens have also complained about overflowing drainage, stormwater drainage problems and contaminated or disrupted water supply. According to civic officials, such complaints are not always addressed within the required time.

The situation has reportedly been a matter of concern during the Municipal Commissioner’s weekly review meetings held every Tuesday. In some cases, the actual situation on the ground allegedly comes to light only after protest groups approach the civic administration or elected representatives raise the issues.

The Commissioner also reprimanded engineers who attended a recent review meeting without wearing the prescribed VMC uniform. Notices were subsequently issued for the violation.

Engineers issued notices

The engineers named for alleged negligence in duties include:

1. Haresh R. Rathwa – Executive Engineer, Drainage Project
2. Bhargav V. Pandit – Deputy Engineer, Road Project Branch
3. Mahesh K. Vankar – In-charge Executive Engineer, Drainage Project
4. Parthgir G. Goswami – Deputy Engineer, JnNURM, Ward No. 3
5. Rakesh U. Solanki – Deputy Engineer, Ward No. 4
6. Vivek V. Patel – Deputy Engineer, Ward No. 6
7. Priyank R. Shingadia – In-charge Deputy Engineer, Ward No. 5
8. Nihar R. Zhula – Deputy Engineer, Ward No. 10
9. Ravindra P. Bhamre – Deputy Engineer, JnNURM, Ward No. 11
10. Hemant S. Mistry – Deputy Engineer, Ward No. 12
11. Maulish K. Chauhan – Deputy Engineer, Ward No. 14
12. Nainesh C. Jijnagar – Deputy Engineer, Ward No. 16
13. Harshil B. Patel – Deputy Engineer, Ward No. 8

Notices for not wearing VMC uniform

The following engineers were listed for allegedly attending duty without the prescribed VMC uniform:

• Divyang P. Modi – Deputy Engineer, Water Supply
• Nihar R. Zhula – Deputy Engineer, Ward No. 10
• Ravindra P. Bhamre – Deputy Engineer, JnNURM, Ward No. 11

The action is expected to put greater scrutiny on engineers responsible for road, drainage and water-related works, as well as ward-level civic services. DeshGujarat