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Low quality construction material is being used to build the state-of-the-art testing laboratory at Bamrauli Katara, alleges FSDA designated officer, Ram Naresh Yadav.
"The Uttar Pradesh State Construction and Infrastructure Development Corporation (UPSCIDC) is constructing the laboratory, which is going to be most modern food and drug testing centre in the state. We have found low quality construction being done, building material were of poor quality. We have reported the matter to higher authorities of our department and other senior officials concerned (in the matter)," claims Yadav.
When contacted UPSCIDC executive engineer DR Parsediya said: "We are doing quality construction from our side; building material can be tested at any point of time. We have not received any formal complaint regarding the under construction FSDA laboratory."
Yadav further alleges that during a surprise inspection his team found two types of building material at the site, one of good quality and the other, being used in the construction of columns, is of low grade. "We have sent the report about the poor quality of construction to the divisional commissioner of Agra, FSDA commissioner and senior officials of the state construction corporation." Yadav Said.
"The state-of-the-art lab is being built for about Rs 7.5 crore. A engineer from the public works department has to be nominated by district magistrate to advise on the construction of the lab construction," said the FSDA official.
Yadav told TOI: "The laboratory will provide high quality analytical services for food safety, including determination of proximate composition and nutritional analysis. The lab will also analyse food additives, contaminants and microbiological safety of edibles. It will enhance the scope of testing of agricultural products, allied products, animal products, plantation products and flavours, functional and processed foods and beverages. The Agra lab is aimed at improving the accuracy in sample testing." |
