Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj: Allegations of large-scale irregularities in road construction work have surfaced in Ichinda Ward No. 11 under Rairangpur Municipality in the Bamanghati subdivision of Mayurbhanj district.
According to local residents, a road was constructed for about 50 metres from near advocate Muna Das’s residence towards advocate Pradip Das’s residence, allegedly without any sanctioned project. They have alleged that public funds were misappropriated in the name of the road work.
When contacted, Rairangpur Municipality Chairman Abhishek Pattanayak, the Ward No. 11 member and the municipal Junior Engineer reportedly stated that they were unaware of any such project and that no such project had been sanctioned.
This has raised questions about how the work was undertaken allegedly without proper permission, a sanctioned project or an information board. Local residents have also alleged that the road began developing cracks within a month of its construction, with stones becoming visible at several places.
Residents have alleged that the construction quality is extremely poor. They claimed that proper cement-concrete materials were not used and that inferior-quality materials were used for the work. They further alleged that the road construction was carried out through an alleged nexus between officials, Junior Engineers and contractors.
Social workers Arun Mahanti, Bana Bihari Mahanti and Gajendra Mahanti, advocate Pradip Das, along with other villagers of Ichinda, have submitted written complaints to the Mayurbhanj District Collector, Sub-Collector, Additional District Magistrate and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seeking a Vigilance inquiry into the alleged irregularities and cancellation of the contractor’s licence.
The villagers have urged the government to take strict action against any officials, Junior Engineers and contractors found responsible for corruption or irregularities.
The villagers are now awaiting appropriate action and the construction of a durable road in the area.
