Malkangiri: As many as 11 Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) projects worth Rs 39 crore are hanging in balance here in the district owing to Maoist threat.
Even as work on the projects had begun, the construction was left half-way by contractors due to repeated threats and violent activities by burning down of bull dozers and road construction equipments by the Rebels.
This has affected the rural road connectivity scheme in the tribal-dominated district, one of the aspirational district selected by the state government.
Moreover, contractors executing the PMGSY projects expressed their unhappiness over the security arrangements. Many of them have decided to withdraw from the projects fearing their lives due to Maoist activists.
As per information, the construction of 10 projects, including Bonda Hill under Khairaput Block have been stopped due to security reasons.
The PMGSY roads, whose fate hangs in balance under Rural Development Division-I are Buriduguda to Narsinghpur (1.50 km), Sangumma to Luller (5.20 km), Mudulilpada to Badabela (0 km to 9 km), Mudulilpada to Badabela (9 km to 18 km), Bedbell to Andrahal (5 km), Nilapari to Amblibeda (0 km to 9 km), Nilapari to Amblibeda (9 km to 18 km), RD road to Goudaguda (8km) and RD road to Kataguda road (4 km). On the other hand, no tender has been received for the construction of Nilapari to Amblibeda (8 km to 27km) PMSGY road.
When contacted, Rural Development Division-I Executive Engineer, N Harihar Rao said that the projects work were not being able to be executed due to the threats from Reds.
“We are duty bound to provide security at all places across the district and for this reason, operations are being conducted everywhere. Construction of roads would be taken up on priority basis at places where 100 percent security is available,” Malkangiri SP Jagmohan Meena.
This has spread resentment in the area as lack of proper roads halted development in the areas and made it the hub for Maoists. They demanded the administration to take better security arrangements and bring development in the area.
PNN
