CHARILAM: Intense public anger has erupted in South Charilam over the deplorable condition of a vital connecting road, which has completely disintegrated less than a year after being pitched. The sub-standard stretch, which runs from South Charilam Mettamura via Bathanmura to Lalsinghmura, has turned into a commuter’s nightmare, raising serious questions about administrative oversight and contractor accountability.
According to local residents, the long-awaited blacktopping of the road was completed with much fanfare less than twelve months ago. However, the top layer of pitch began peeling off with the very first spell of rain. Today, the entire stretch is plagued by massive potholes, exposed loose stones, and crater-like depressions, making it highly accident-prone for two-wheelers and emergency vehicles alike.
Aggrieved villagers alleged that the executing contractor used extremely poor-quality raw materials and completely bypassed standard engineering protocols to maximize profits. Despite repeated complaints lodged with local authorities and the department concerned, no repair work has been initiated.
Demanding an immediate high-level probe into the alleged corruption, the frustrated locals have threatened to launch massive road blockades if the department fails to reconstruct the stretch properly before the monsoon intensifies.