GUWAHATI, Aug 25 - Improving Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal�s existing security arrangement is turning out be a hard nut to crack for those involved in this highly sensitive exercise!
Despite issuing tenders for the third consecutive time since April 13 this year vis-�-vis this top-priority project, the State Government is struggling to find a competent bidder.
The Public Works Department (PWD) is now banking on the revised fourth attempt that it has made to rope in a qualified professional firm for the Rs 2.07-crore project.
Although the time of completion of the project was fixed at 90 days in the first tender floated by the Electrical division of the PWD, almost four months have passed since then with no tangible results.
An official source privy to the developments informed that the project related to �improvement of security arrangement at Chief Minister�s official residence at Brahmaputra State Guest House� located at Kharguli has not found any eligible bidder as yet despite the Government floating tenders for three times in the last four months.
�And unable to find an eligible contractor or firm, the tender has been floated again for the fourth time. Hopefully, we will be able to get a suitable bidder this time around as a considerable period of time has already been lost,� sources told this reporter.
�Unfortunately, we have not received bids from qualified contractors or firms with previous experience in the same field,� the sources pointed out.
While a section alleged that the process is being deliberately delayed to accommodate a particular firm, the sources in the PWD and other departments involved refuted the allegations, stating that such decisions cannot be taken in a haste.
As per the plan, the security arrangements of the Chief Minister�s residence will be strengthened by adding an electro-hydraulic bollard system, which is meant to provide a formidable obstacle to an approaching vehicle at the main entrance.
Besides, an electronic boom barrier would also be installed to ensure controlled entry and exit of vehicles, especially when multiple numbers of vehicles tend to enter or exit the premises.
Sources divulged that under-vehicle scanners and further increase in the number of close circuit television cameras would also add teeth to the existing security set-up.
