STATE TIMES NEWS
BHADARWAH : Despite Jammu and Kashmir government suspending macadamisation process (black-topping) of roads from October 2017 to May 2018 due to low temperature, various road relaying works have undertaken under PMGSY in the Additional District of Bhadarwah which has raised eyebrows with people accusing authorities of misusing funds meant for developmental activities.
According to reports, PMGSY authorities have started road repair work of Sartingal-Katyara section in the lap of Ashapati glacier on the outskirts of Additional District headquarters where the temperature remains sub-zero. “The macadamisation is usually not done during Chilly weather and in sub-zero temperature. The road won’t last for long as macadam needs high setting temperature,” said Abdul Qayoom Butt, Imam Jamia Masjid Sharekhi village.
People of the area alleged that cracks have started to develop on the Sharekhi road which was macadamized only a few days ago. The locals also accused the PMGSY of using sub-standard construction material.
The locals said for whole summer they were demanding macmadisation of Sartingal – Katyara Sharekhi road.But the PMGSY authorities resorted to inordinate delay. They demanded an impartial inquiry into the whole matter.
Assistant Executive Engineer PMGSY downplayed the issue by maintaining that they are just doing the patch work and are about to windup the macadamisation process in a day or two.
“We have already laid macadam on 6 km stretch and today on last day, we are just finishing the patch work,” said Raj Kumar Assistant Engineer, PMGSY Bhadarwah.
When asked about the government order about the suspension of macadamisation from October till May next year, the AE find himself off guard and said, “Yes temperature is low but we have completed the macadamisation since long now just patch work is being done.”
Refuting the claims of PMGSY authorities, locals alleged that the macadamisation started only in mid November from Katyara, when mercury had already started touching zero.
“This village is exactly in the foothills of snow filled Ashapati Glacier and during day, temperature remains around 5 degrees Celsius but after sunset the Mercury has already started touching minus as water has started freezing,” said Ghulam Mustafa a local from village Katyara. “We waited for the blacktop since last four years and ran from pillar to post to get it done, but now when they finally did, it’s not only sub standard but also started the process during off season in Chilly weather and it’s not going to last even this winter, as it has already started weathering at several places,” said Abdul Qayoom from Sharekhi village.