Assam: Allegations of irregularities in CM’s flagship drainage project in Udalguri district

A CORRESPONDENT

TANGLA: While the BJP-AGP-UPPL coalition government in state claims “zero tolerance” against corruption, concerns have emerged regarding the implementation of various government schemes in Tangla town of Udalguri district. According to reports, allegations of corruption have surfaced in the construction of concrete drains under the Mukhya Mantrir Nagariya  Pakipath Nirman Achani executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD).

Pertinently, for the project, Rs 297.33 lakh has been allocated for constructing 2.808 km of paved roads and 2.508 km of concrete drains in Ward No. 1 and Ward No. 2 of Tangla town.

Although work has commenced, local residents have accused officials of using substandard materials and not adhering to the project’s specifications. Despite nearly Rs 3 crore being sanctioned, no official project plaque has been displayed for public awareness, and official foundation stone laying details remain undisclosed leaving residents unaware of key project details. The local, residents claim the construction does not align with official estimates, with drains allegedly being built higher than the existing roads, raising mobility and accessibility concerns. In the drain being built over a public culvert connecting Mahananda Roy’s residence to Tangla Railway Station’s Shiva Mandir residents have alleged that  instead of proper layering with stone and sand, only a thin cement coating has been applied, and the drain walls have been built thinner than required.

Furthermore, locals have stated that only labourers and masons oversee the construction, while engineers and PWD officials remain largely absent from the site. The allegations have fuelled accusations of mismanagement and fund embezzlement within the PWD. Residents have demanded that all 10 proposed roads and drains under the scheme be constructed according to the original specifications. With the Assam government frequently emphasising “zero tolerance” towards corruption”, all eyes are now on how officials respond to these allegations of irregularities in the urban infrastructure project under the flagship scheme of State PWD department.

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