Solar panels, batteries stolen from e-way thrown open by PM
MEERUT: Barely 2 weeks after the inauguration of Eastern Peripheral Expressway by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, some miscreants have stolen the solar panels, batteries and lights from various spots on the e-way falling in Ghaziabad region.
They have also damaged the canopy of a miniature of India Gate placed on the side of the e-way to showcase country’s rich heritage and culture to the commuters.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the e-way on May 27 which connects Kundli in Haryana to Sonepat via Noida, Ghaziabad and Baghpat. It is claimed that e-way will decrease 40% entry of heavy vehicles in Delhi which help in reducing vehicular pollution in the national capital.
The work on the expressway is still ongoing in different psyches, therefore toll barriers have not been started yet and the e-way’s access is free for all.
Manager, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Ghaziabad region JS Chauhan said that the thieves had stolen solar panels and batteries from at least 8 to 10 spots the e-way and few lights from the underpasses.
He said that at one location they also have damaged the canopy of a miniature of India Gate which had been sent for repair.
He also claimed that in past 1 year during the construction of the expressway, miscreants had stolen over 100 tons of steel and fencing wire from different locations.
Most of these incidents had occurred in 45 kms stretch of expressway passing through Ghaziabad, Baghpat and Sonepat, he said.
Chauhan also claimed, “Taking the construction workers at gunpoint, miscreants also looted steel, a generator set and a cutting machine in Mavikala area of Baghpat district 7 months ago.” He said it was indeed a difficult task for construction companies to complete the work in record time even after facing such odds. He said the matter was reported to political crimes and NHAI and a few times the stolen material were recovered from Duhai.
On the other hand, SP of Baghpat Jaiprakash said that he didn’t receive any complaint regarding such theft.
“The e-way was opened for all. Therefore, we have deployed some patrol cars on it. We would do the needful for security of commuters and the e-way if we receive such complaints.”