Call for accountability on construction of Darengre-Durabanda road project
From Our Correspondent
TURA, April 3: The Nokrek Area Development Committee (NADC) has lodged a complaint with the deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills (WGH), alleging negligence in monitoring the construction of the Darengre-Durabanda road, which connects South and West Garo Hills.
The complaint is directed against the PWD North Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) and his subordinates for failing to oversee the project properly.
According to NADC, the road serves as a vital lifeline for local residents, including farmers, daily wage earners, students, and office-goers.
“The road passes mainly through hilly terrain, thickly populated villages, agricultural land, etc. The villages produce huge quantities of agricultural and horticultural crops and other forest-based products etc. The villagers use this for trade and everything else,” NADC president, Salsam Marak, said.
The committee described the road’s current condition as hazardous, claiming it has led to fatalities—both due to accidents and delays in medical emergencies. The road becomes virtually impassable during the monsoon.
“We demanded for a better road (all-weather) and crores were sanctioned. Technically, the road has a provision in the estimate for sub-base soil stabilisation which is a mixture of soil, aggregate, cement and chemical additives. This requires technical expertise,” he added.
However, during an inspection, NADC found no qualified personnel supervising the work, with only contract labourers present at the site.
“We repeatedly requested the AEE and his subordinates to supervise the works but to no avail. So, in case if anything happens, including loss of human lives, vehicular accidents, early damages of road structures, etc., these officers entrusted to supervise and officer preparing the bills should be held responsible,” the NADC asserted.
Expressing disappointment over the department’s lack of responsibility, NADC stated that they had hoped the project would alleviate local hardships.
“If they are not willing to serve the public properly, they may be replaced by some other sincere officers. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to make this road an all-weather road,” the committee asserted.
