Nabarangpur: Resentment brewed among residents here as a newly-laid road connecting the district headquarters town with Nandahandi and Tentulikhunti blocks was washed away due to substandard work.
The road project built by the Public Works Department at a budget of `2 crore was completed by June 2015. According to residents, a portion of the road adjacent to a culvert was washed away within 15 days of its completion. The damaged portion was mended by putting sand bags.
Recently, the coal-tar top of the road was completely washed away while a burrow of 30-ft depth was created near the place. As an electric transformer was installed near the damaged place, the utility poles holding the transformer got tilted due to extensive soil erosion. Now the transformer has been in a precarious condition posing hazards to lives of people and animals.
After getting a number of complaints from residents, the authorities put some sandbags at the place. Residents alleged that water flows 3/4 ft above the road even in case of a slight rainfall. During rainy season, people fear to travel on the road. Patients have a tough time trying to visit a hospital as it is impossible for ambulances to pass over it.
The condition of another road on Nuabandh Sahi inside the town is also the same. Water flows 5 ft above its surface even in case of a drizzle.
Residents said while farmlands are on both sides of the road, heights of the culverts and bridges should be increased. When contacted, works department executive engineer said the height of the culverts built on the roads would be increased. A budget estimate would be made shortly in this regard.
He added that he had visited the damaged portion Saturday. Existence of several plants and bushes near the culvert increases the pressure of water on road. He added that immediate measures would be taken to clear the vegetations from the culvert and repair the damaged portion. PNN
