Rajasthan CS Orders Time-Bound Rehabilitation Of Jodhpur HC Building

(MENAFN- IANS) Jaipur, Aug 31 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas on Monday reviewed the structural rehabilitation and safety works of the Rajasthan High Court building in Jodhpur at the Government Secretariat, directing officials to complete all works on priority within the stipulated timeframe and ensure point‐by‐point compliance with the directives of the High Court.

He instructed departments to maintain close coordination and keep factual, updated progress reports ready in view of the upcoming hearing. Srinivas emphasised that there must be no compromise on the structural safety of the building and directed officials to obtain the detailed technical report from IIT Bombay at the earliest and act on its findings.

Reviewing expenditure incurred on construction and deficiencies observed, the Chief Secretary stressed the need to fix responsibility and initiate disciplinary action in a time‐bound manner wherever required. He directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to ensure accountability is effectively established. Srinivas also sought details of tests conducted by technical experts and their findings, instructing officials to obtain all pending reports promptly and take immediate action on recommendations.

The meeting also reviewed compliance with directions issued on August 17 and the status of the Action Taken Report (ATR). This was the third review chaired by the Chief Secretary.

Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, Praveen Gupta informed the meeting that Phase I structural rehabilitation works, with an estimated cost of Rs 27.41 crore, are being undertaken in high‐ and medium‐sensitivity areas in accordance with methodology approved by IIT Bombay. Of the 24 courtrooms on the first floor, work on 17 has been completed. Essential safety and restoration works are also being carried out in critical areas, including roof waterproofing and the central dome.

Gupta further said administrative and financial approval of Rs 30.24 crore has been issued for Phase II, with work scheduled to commence on September 20. Regarding the central dome, interim non‐destructive testing has indicated no immediate risk of collapse, with further action to be taken based on the detailed IIT Bombay report.

It is noteworthy that the Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognisance on August 10, 2026, of issues concerning the central dome and other structural deficiencies in the main court building at Jodhpur.

Against this backdrop, the state government has been regularly reviewing safety, restoration and rehabilitation works, and compliance with High Court directions.

The meeting was attended by Praveen Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, PWD; the Chief Engineer, PWD; senior officials from the Finance Department, Law Department and Rajasthan State Road Development & Construction Corporation (RSRDC). Representatives of IIT Jodhpur and IIT Bombay participated via video conferencing.

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