Murtaza Mushtaq
Handwara, Feb 20 : Residents of Haril Handwara on Monday expressed their anguish, alleging the contractors of using sub-standard material for construction of a vital bridge at Nallah Hardkhari.
The locals, as per GNS, said that the bridge coming up on an estimated cost of four crores has ‘developed cracks well before its completion’.
Alleging the contractors of using sub-standard material for construction of the bridge, expected to connect several villages, the locals said the poor quality of material used is showing up as the pillars of the bridge have developed severe cracks.
The locals had reached the site to express their resentment and were later on joined by BDC member Mawar Tahir Ahmad.
The BDC member seconding the claims of locals asked the men on work to stop the work.
When contacted, the BDC member said he received a complaint from locals, wherein the locals alleged the authorities using sub-standard material for construction of the vital bridge in the area.
“To know the factual details, I myself reached the spot to see that the authorities involved in construction of the bridge were indeed using sub-standard material”, he said adding “I had to intervene and ask the men on work to stop the further construction.”
Demanding the immediate demolition of the raised structure, the BDC member also urged the district administration and relevant offices to initiate a thorough enquiry to see who was at fault and as to why the authorities came in blatant violation to the standards, putting the lives of thousands of locals on stake.
“The district administration and other allied offices should take a strong notice of the case and initiate an impartial enquiry to bring the culprits to justice”, he said.
When contacted, Executive Engineer R&B Division Handwara told GNS that the issue will be sorted out on a priority basis. “The general public need not to worry about anything as we are on it to resolve the issue on a priority basis”, he said. (GNS)
