Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Dec 16 (KNS) : Just a month after the Gamroo–Papchan link road in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district was blacktopped by the PMGSY department, large potholes have already appeared, raising serious questions about the quality of construction and the use of public funds.

The road was finally blacktopped after years of delay by the department, bringing relief to hundreds of families living in the area. The road serves as a vital link for several villages, which include Konan, Sumlar, Gundkaiser, Bapora, and Check Arsala Khan. However, within days of the work’s completion, the road surface began to deteriorate, with gravel coming loose and potholes appearing at multiple spots.

Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Gamroo, told KNS that locals had raised concerns about the use of substandard material during the blacktopping work with the concerned officials, but their complaints were ignored.

The damaged road has once again made commuting difficult for villagers, particularly school children, patients, and daily commuters.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelLocals allege that the poor quality of work reflects negligence and a lack of accountability on the part of the executing agency.

Residents have demanded an immediate inspection of the road, fixing of the damaged stretches, and action against those responsible for the substandard work.

According to a report, the payment to the contractor has been withheld; however, sources from the PMGSY department told KNS that half of the payment has already issued to the contractor.

An official stated that they are aware that the road was not properly blacktopped and will investigate the matter.

“Actually, the road was blacktopped towards the end of the working season and when the temperature was low. We couldn’t have skipped the road because the funds would have lapsed.,” he said.

The official, however, assured that they will "rectify" the road in the next season. (KNS)