Assam: Residents face daily hardship on dilapidated road in Nalbari district

A CORRESPONDENT

NALBARI: Allegations of misappropriation of funds sanctioned for the maintenance of the Piplibari-Kakaya-Jagara-Goalpara connecting road have triggered widespread public outrage in Nalbari district. Locals have alleged that although funds were earmarked for the maintenance of the road, no significant repair work has been carried out on the ground. As a result, the busy road has deteriorated severely, posing serious risks and inconvenience to commuters.

According to available information, the nearly 10-kilometre-long Piplibari-Kakaya-Jagara-Goalpara connecting road was taken up for construction in 2021. The project was completed at a cost of Rs 5,10,19,200 under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). However, within a short period after its completion-approximately one and a half years later-the bituminous surface began peeling off at several locations, leading to the formation of large potholes.

Locals have alleged that the poor condition of the road is the result of the use of substandard construction materials during its execution. According to them, the project, executed during the tenure of the then Executive Engineer of the Nalbari District Territorial Road Division of the Public Works Department (PWD), failed to maintain the required quality standards.

At present, the road is riddled with large potholes, making the movement of two-wheelers and four-wheelers extremely difficult. Daily commuters, including students, farmers, traders, and other residents, are reportedly facing immense hardship while travelling on the road. The situation becomes even more dangerous during the monsoon season.

It is noteworthy that Rs 65.96 lakh had been earmarked for the road's five-year routine maintenance. However, locals claim that no visible maintenance work has been carried out despite the sanctioned amount. This has raised serious questions among the public over the whereabouts of the funds allocated for the maintenance of the road.

The locals of the area have urged the State Government, the Public Works Department, and the concerned authorities to initiate an immediate inquiry into the allegations.

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