Bijay Charak
Early Times Report
Jammu, July 1: The executive agency for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which aims to provide road connectivity to people living in far flung areas, has not been able to complete a stretch of road measuring six kilometers from Seri to Chattra in teshil Bhaderwah of Doda district in 10 years.
Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Chattra, said the road project from Seri to Chattra was sanctioned by the Centre in 2005-06 at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore and 31 lakh, but even after 10 years, the agency could not complete the earth work.
In fact, for nearly three years, the work has been stopped for unknown reasons.
"Many times we have urged higher officials of the agency concerned, local MLA, Deputy Commissioner, but all in vain as no one is bothered to listen to the pleas of poor people of Chattra", Sanjay said.
"600 families reside in Chattra and its neighboring villages but they do not have road connectivity. We live in stone-age," said another resident, adding that it was difficult for local youth to study as they have to go to college in Bhaderwah town.
When contacted, Executive Engineers PMGSY Doda, Rajesh Abrol said the construction work was stopped few years ago because the executing agency's contract was terminated and it was re-allotted last year.
"I hope that if the weather will remain conducive this year, the phase-I work of this road would be completed within three months," he said. |
