Road Peels Off Just Days After Carpeting In Odisha’s Balasore District

The tall claims made by authorities over the quality of development works in Odisha seems to have fallen flat after concrete roads laid out in many villages across Balasore district, just few weeks ago, have reportedly started scraping off from the surface, much to the dismay of the locals.

According to reports, a tar road that was laid out in between Bartana and Badanuagaon in Khaira Block just 15 days ago has now started to peel off, to everyone’s surprise. 

Locals alleged that the project work was of such poor quality that the topping could be easily removed from the road with bare hands. 

This road project, which the residents of at least three Panchyats rely for communication, was overseen by the Rural Development authorities.

"Within 2 to 3 days after the completion of the road building work, the tar came off. The toppings can now be removed with just your hands. This is even more treacherous than the earlier mud road." Rajesh Roshan Rout, a local resident, told OTV.

Blaming the contractor for the low quality of work, he further added, “The money that has been sanctioned has been raised from the tax collected from ordinary people like us. In exchange, we got this shoddy work.”

Meanwhile, the Simulia (Rural) Assistance Executive Engineer Priyaranjan Behera said that the contractor has been served a notice to rectify the faulty work. 

“If the construction specifications are not met, the department will take action.” Behera warned.

On other hand, the villagers of Ambakuchudi under Basta Block of the district who were privileged to witness a pucca road after years of demand unfortunately find themselves back to square one.

Residents alleged that the contractor did not complete the work in accordance with government regulations.

“We haven't been given any information about the particulars of the work that was done. However, it is of poor quality. According to the government regulations, the road should be around 4 inches high, but that standard has not been followed here.” alleged Radhakrushna Parida, a local.

Meanwhile, Junior Engineer, Basta Block, J.Biswal has assured to conduct an investigation into the matter and take the necessary corrective steps.