Meghalaya bad roads: Locals scrape off bitumen road with bare hands
First Published: 28th October, 2023 9:07 IST
The road in question is a 3 km stretch between the villages of Gomaijhora and Malijhora, about 5 km from the town of Phulbari
A private construction company based in Guwahati has come under scrutiny for constructing a substandard road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Residents have reported that the quality of the road is so poor that they could scrape off the top bitumen layer with their bare hands.
The road is a 3 km stretch between the villages of Gomaijhora and Malijhora, about 5 km from the town of Phulbari. As per inputs, the road was constructed just couple of days back.
Resident and social activist, Ahinur Islam, expressed his dismay, and said, “The road had enough time to set (24 hours) as no one used it during that time. When we came this morning to check the road’s condition, we were surprised to see the extremely poor quality. We didn’t even need any tools to dig it up. It came apart with just our bare hands.”
People alleged use of low-quality stones, along with insufficient application of bitumen in the top layer for the poor quality of the road.
The Gomaijhora Youth Club (GYC) has complained to the Sub-Divisional Officer – Civil of Dadenggre, urging intervention.
Out of the 3 kilometres of road between the two villages, only 1 kilometre was allocated to the contractor responsible for the construction. Residents have raised questions about why the Public Works Department (PWD) did not supervise the construction work.
Another resident asked, “Two PWD employees were at the construction site, so it was their duty to oversee the quality of work being undertaken. Why did they allow such shoddy work to proceed when they were aware of its poor quality? From what is evident, they too are a part of the problem.”
Locals have shared videos of the road to the deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills (WGH) and is waiting for some response.
Also Read : Cherry blossom finale after church service: Meghalaya Dy CM
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live NEHU Crisis: NEHUSU Says VC Return to Campus Is Non-Negotiable Regardless of Enquiry Findings
25th November 2024
Live Corruption in Tripura Cricket: Association Protests, Demands Arrest of Ex-Office Bearers
25th November 2024
Live Udayachal & Paralympic Association of Assam To Host 1st NE Para Sports Meet in Guwahati on Nov 27
25th November 2024
Live 2 Including a Junior Engineer Abducted by 10 NSCN (K-YA) Cadres in Arunachal
25th November 2024
WE RECOMMEND
Meghalaya Sees Surge in Violence Against Women with 628 Cases Reported in 2023
East Khasi Hills District recorded the highest number of incidents.
25th November 2024
Irrespective of Inquiry Outcome, VC Won’t Be Allowed Back Says NEHU Community
VC Shukla has gone on leave after the students’s protests intensified and the Meghalaya government stepped in.
25th November 2024
Two-Member Inquiry Panel Reaches NEHU to Probe Mismanagement Allegations
The committee has been tasked with submitting its report within 15 days, providing necessary recommendations for corrective action.
25th November 2024
Meghalaya: Assam Rifles Half Marathon 2024 Kicks Off In Shillong
Legendary boxer and former Rajya Sabha member MC Mary Kom, who was the event's brand ambassador, also participated in the 10 km "Pine Path" run.
24th November 2024
We Don’t Have Culture of Use and Throw: CM Conrad on Allies After Wife Wins Gambegre, Party Tally Goes Up to 32
Mehtab Chandee registered a convincing win in Gambegre helping the ruling NPP take its tally to single majority mark of 32.
23rd November 2024