Chandel bodies allege sub-standard road job
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 18 2021:
KAKCHING: The on-going gravelling work along the Pallel-Chandel district road has run into problems after it was discovered that low quality stones such as shale rock (fine-grained, easily breakable) were being used in the blacktopping process, leading to breakout of cracks in many areas.
National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)-Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, had sanctioned huge funds to repair the 18km stretch of the road from Pallel to Chandel district headquarters.
However, many portions of the road were found to be cracking up days after blacktopping, which attracted the attention of Chandel Naga Peoples' Organisation (CNPO) and various CSOs, chiefs' association and student unions in Chandel, prompting a joint inspection with representatives of Krishna Construction Company.
CNPO Chandel president David Boyes was accompanied in the inspection by Naga Students Union Chandel (NSUC), Naga Chiefs' Association Chandel, Mayon Naga Chiefs' Association and presidents of different tribes.
Speaking on the sidelines, David Boyes expressed strong resentment that low quality stones were being used in the blacktopping process of the Pallel-Chandel road, leading to development of cracks in many portions of the road.
"Even though we are not experts, as a common person we are well aware that the rock being used is shale rock, which are found in hilly areas and easily breakable on exposure to sun and wind.
As such, usage of this rock on road surfaces leads to accumulation of dust just after the road is used once or twice", he said and urged for NHIDCL experts to look into the matter.
Stating that the road repairing was finally taken up after a long period, the president urged for maintenance of quality and zero compromises in any aspect.
David also urged Krishna Construction Company manager RK Pandey for the same, adding that perfunctory blacktopping work will not be tolerated.