60-Metre Drain Collapses On ₹12.41-Crore PMGSY Road; Inquiry Ordered In MP's Manawar
· Free Press Journal
Manawar (Madhya Pradesh): Villagers have raised questions over the construction quality of the 19.90-km Lunhera-Manawar road via Nigarni, built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for Rs 12.41 crore.
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More than 60 metres of a 300-metre roadside drain at Kunwad village collapsed during rains, allegedly allowing water to enter fields and wash away fertile soil.
Farmer Mushtaq alleged that inadequate reinforcement and cement and substandard materials were used, affecting his bitter gourd crop.
According to a project board, Rs 1,241.01 lakh was spent on road construction and Rs 87.84 lakh was allocated for maintenance. Villagers also alleged that four bridges along the road remain incomplete.
They have sought an on-site technical audit and an investigation into alleged collusion between contractors and officials.
Sub-engineer Sudarshan said the drain was constructed after measurements were taken and its collapse would be investigated. He said it would be rebuilt if necessary.
PMGSY chief engineer Mangilal Dawar has ordered an inquiry into the matter. He said the roles of the sub-engineer, sub-divisional officer, executive engineer, manager and contractor would be examined.
Dawar said the drain wall should be around 20 centimetres thick according to the design. Action would be taken if the inquiry found violations of construction standards.
Villagers demanded inspection of the drain’s thickness, reinforcement, cement and other materials.
They also sought disclosure of the road’s guarantee period, payments, measurement book and quality test report to establish responsibility for any irregularities.
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