Newly-constructed road develops potholes

Chandigarh Tribune‎‎‎‎: Uttarakhand: Sunday, June 19, 2016.

The Parogi-Kandi road in the Jaunpur development block of Tehri Garhwal has developed potholes barely six months after construction. Residents of Parogi and Kandi villages have raised questions on the functioning of the Public Works Department (PWD) and the contractor, who constructed the road.

They said the government should investigate into the matter and the PWD should repair the road. They alleged that the irregularity was the result of the “nexus” among government officials and the contractors, which resulted in large-scale corruption.

They also accused the contractor of constructing sidewalls only at those spots where the road has enough width. The places where roads are narrow are sans sidewalls.

Former Parogi Gram Pradhan Mahipal Sajwan said the 4-km stretch near Bel village had been badly damaged. “There is no chance of repair as such works are considered only after five years. The villagers had struggled a lot to get this road constructed. It is unfortunate to see the concrete peeling off within six months after construction. Officials of the PWD have been apprised about it but they have turned a blind eye,” he said.

Sajwan said the wall constructed on the road is of poor quality and would cave in during the monsoon. “Sidewalls have been constructed where they were not needed. These were needed near Bel village but the officials concerned didn’t construct it there,” he said.

“Information procured through RTI querry has revealed that around Rs 50,000 out of the funds sanctioned for the construction of this road is still pending with the PWD that should be utilised,” he added.

Chaman Das, former member of district panchayat, said four houses of Dalits were demolished to widen the road but the PWD was yet to pay compensation.

Kamal Rawat, member of the Kshetra Panchayat, said a massive agitation would be launched if the PWD failed to act on the demands of villagers. When contacted, PWD Assistant Engineer PDS Lingwal said he would do the needful.