Negligence in Karkala four-lane road work causes public hardship
Karkala: The ongoing four-lane road construction on National Highway 169, from Karkala Bypass Road to Mala Gate, has drawn criticism due to severe delays and poor-quality work, leading to significant public inconvenience.
Despite the project’s budget of ₹167 crore, the work has been dragging on for two years, leaving local residents and motorists to deal with poorly maintained roads. The widening of the road has resulted in public roads being dug up, causing motorists difficulty in accessing their homes. During the monsoon season, waterlogging on the unfinished roads has led to damage to nearby houses, wells, and agricultural lands in low-lying areas.
The construction of concrete drains, which are higher than the road itself, has further exacerbated the situation, making vehicular access to homes and shops along the road impossible. Local residents have begun to protest the disruptions.
The work on the highway has seen various levels of mismanagement. While some areas have been dug lower, others have been raised with added soil, resulting in a bumpy and uneven road surface, even after asphalting. The widening of turning roads, notorious for accidents, has not improved safety, as the turns have not been straightened. The lack of foresight in planning and execution, coupled with the absence of proper signboards, has led to an increase in accidents.
The quality of construction has also been questioned, particularly regarding the concrete drains. Reports suggest that improper materials, including gravel without adequate cement and unsuitable iron for concrete slabs, are being used. Recently, a mini lorry got stuck in a collapsed concrete drain, highlighting the poor construction standards.
Despite these issues, the National Highways Department has yet to take corrective action. Daniel Ranger, President of the Aam Aadmi Party in Karkala, has called for protests to draw the attention of the authorities and the Lokayukta to the misuse of public funds.
Local resident Satish Kumar from Meyaru expressed frustration, stating, "The work has caused nothing but problems for the public. The quality is so poor that we struggle to even reach our homes. The actions of the irresponsible officers and contractors are condemnable."
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
