Koraput: Tension flared in Hatigeda village under Bandhugaon block of Koraput district after local residents halted an ongoing road construction project, alleging poor quality work and lack of transparency in its execution.
The road, stretching nearly 7 km from Karli to Hatigeda, was expected to improve connectivity in the region. However, villagers claim the construction quality is sub-standard. Instead of proper groundwork and layering, workers have simply poured a thin layer of concrete over an existing kutcha road, they alleged.
A local resident alleged that the promised two-inch concrete layer is not even one inch thick in several stretches, questioning the quality and durability of the project. Villagers also expressed serious concerns over the absence of supervision by officials.
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They claimed that neither the junior engineer nor the block development officer had visited the site for inspection. When confronted, the contractor reportedly stated that he was acting on instructions from higher authorities, further deepening suspicions of irregularities.
Adding to the outrage is the absence of a project display board at the site, which is mandatory to provide details such as cost, specifications, and timeline. The village sarpanch highlighted that residents have not been informed about any official proposal or plan related to the project.
With anger mounting, villagers have warned of intensifying protests if corrective measures are not taken immediately. They have demanded a thorough inspection and greater transparency, even as allegations of negligence and possible corruption continue to surface.