Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Aug 24: Residents of Planghar village, located in Tehsil Thannamandi of district Rajouri, have demanded inquiry into the ‘alleged’ substandard work on Akhori to Patti Planghar road.
The villagers also called for action against the concerned agency and the contractor for carrying out sub-standard work as the road got badly damaged even few months after its construction. The road, which is a crucial link for the community, has become nearly impassable due to poor construction and lack of maintenance, posing a significant threat to the lives of residents, including school children.
Despite undergoing blacktopping twice, the road remains in a deplorable state, with reports of substandard materials being used. In several sections, the road is so severely damaged that vehicles can barely pass, with one particularly hazardous area where a deep gorge on one side makes it extremely accident-prone. Repeated appeals to the local administration have yielded no corrective action, and there is an urgent need for the installation of crash barriers to prevent potential accidents.
Local resident Mohd Khalil expressed his concern, stating, “The situation is dire. The road is in such bad condition that the school bus driver has expressed his helplessness in continuing the route, putting the safety of our children at risk.” Due to these hazardous conditions, many vehicles have ceased using the road, forcing residents to walk 5-6 kilometers to reach the main road. The road has cracked at multiple locations, and school children are compelled to walk on foot to reach school. The PWD has not even deemed it necessary to inspect the road’s condition.
The villagers are also frustrated by the lack of accountability within the PWD. Despite repeated complaints and the apparent misuse of public funds on substandard roadwork, no action has been taken against those responsible.
Adding to the residents’ grievances, the PWD has failed to complete the blacktopping of the remaining 500 meters of the road. Additionally, improper drainage systems have led to water being diverted onto a local graveyard for the past four years, despite complaints lodged with the DC Office Rajouri.
The residents have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha to intervene into the matter.
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