Locals allege use of substandard material
Tauseef Ahmad
BANDIPORA, Mar 6: A year after on construction of retaining wall in Sumlar-A panchayat of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district damaged, locals alleged sub standard material used by contractors.
Talking to Kashmir Despatch correspondent, locals alleged that the retaining wall of Eidgah, which was constructed a year ago in Sumlar-A had been damaged which poses threat to the residents living below.
“Nobody listens to poor peoples. We had contacted several times to concerned authorities but in vain,” Ali Mohammad, a local resident said. “We have been deprived of basic facilities in our village, every year under PRI grants several works have been done but only few give benefit to local peoples,” he added.
Pertinently mention of the residents recently in a story carried by Kashmir Despatch alleged PRI’s for favoritism in several government schemes.
Data revealed from Right to Information (RTI) documents reads in Sumlar Panchayat Halqa 90 solar street lights were installed so far under the PRI grants under the cost of 16 lacs.
“Since 2021 the total 21 works has been done under various schemes like 14th FC, Manaraga, PRI grants and under Back to village 4 (B2V4),24 works stand completed. 11 lakhs had been spent on Eidgah wall and playground in the Panchayat Halqa,” the RTI reads.
Meanwhile when contacting Block Development Officer Arin Bandipora, he said that will verify first from the ground why the retaining wall had been damaged only after passing one year.
