Koraput: Locals of Kanagaon and Kamuganda villages in the district today staged a road blockade alleging substandard construction of road from Hatasrupalli chhak to Kamuganda. Moreover, the culvert has been constructed with heaps of soil and a layer of cement over it, they alleged.
"The officials have violated the standards of road construction which is why the quality is very poor. After examining the post-construction situation of road and the culvert, the officials assured to reconstruct it. If they fail to fulfil the demands, people from as many as 25 villages will congregate to intensify the protest," threatened a local.
"We demand the construction of the roads and culverts as per the standards set by the government by making full use of the estimated budget," said Mohan Kadraka, Kamuganda Sarpanch.
Meanwhile accepting that there were lapses, the officials have assured to reconstruct the road and culvert. "We have received complaints from the locals. We will further analyze the matter and take steps to rectify it, if required," said Sanjay Singh, JE, Rural Development Department.
"Complaints from the locals were taken seriously and the culvert will be broken and reconstructed," added Singh.
Following assurance, irate locals called off their protest but have warned to intensify agitation if the department fails to fulfil the demands.