Construction of govt buildings to be monitored

A concept mooted by an expert panel constituted by the Karnataka government could soon help in curbing false claims by construction contractors.

The Task Force for Quality Assurance in Public Constructions has recommended the implementation of ‘Remote Image-Based Measurement System’ (RIBMS) to monitor construction of government buildings in the State using mobile phone technology with a centralised server in Bangalore.

Explains Task Force Member Secretary I Ravindranath: “The concept envisages taking the photo of a building or structure under construction by a special stereo camera and sending it to a centralised server.

The photo will capture five dimensions - length, breadth, height, time and date, and also the GPS location. Using these parameters and by comparing them with the original blueprint, the exact progress of work can be assessed.”

Ravindranath said at a recent meeting chaired by Chief Secretary S V Ranganath, it was decided that the Task Force share the concept with the Public Works Department and the Urban Development Department for possible implementation.

The Task Force is now working on developing the stereo mobile phones with developers in Bangalore.

“Once the system is in place, one can verify the progress claimed by a construction contractor by taking a photograph of the structure and sending it to the centralised server.

False claims can be curbed altogether. Grants can be released after confirming that the work has been completed as per schedule,” Ravindranath said.