In a notable incident in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh, residents expressed their frustration over a recently repaired road that they claim was constructed with inferior materials. The situation escalated into a dramatic protest where villagers were filmed manually digging up the newly laid road surface, emphasizing their concerns regarding the quality of the construction.

Villagers Dig Up Newly Repaired Six-Kilometer Stretch

The incident occurred between Barmaain and Kakarbai villages within Garotha tehsil. It has been reported that the road, which spans nearly six kilometers, underwent repairs costing several lakhs of rupees. Footage from the protest shows villagers scraping off the freshly laid surface using only their hands, alleging inadequate preparation and substandard materials in the road’s construction.

Residents Allege Use of Substandard Materials

Subedar Shivpal Singh, a long-time resident of Barmaain village, voiced his concerns by stating that the road was not being constructed in accordance with established quality standards. “The road from Barmaain to Kakarbai is being constructed without proper materials. The surface is being laid over mud and even dung without any clean-up or proper layering,” he remarked. Singh clarified that the protest was not personal and that the villagers only sought a properly constructed road.

Viral Video Brings Attention to Quality Concerns

Another villager, Veerpal Singh, who was captured in the video digging the roadway, made a direct appeal to the Chief Minister through the footage. “We request the Chief Minister to assess the quality of work personally. We are not here to provide proof; the situation speaks for itself,” he noted. Singh elaborated on the road’s significance, stressing the need for appropriate construction. He also mentioned that after sharing their video highlighting the alleged corruption, they received threats suggesting that they would face consequences for their actions, specifically from individuals connected to the project.

SDM Orders Probe, PWD Under Scrutiny

The public outcry surrounding the incident caught the attention of local authorities. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sunil Kumar confirmed that the Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for the road’s construction. “We have been made aware of the viral video. A committee is being formed to investigate the claims made by the villagers. Should any negligence by the contractor be substantiated, penalties will be enforced. Additionally, if any lapses are found within the department, appropriate measures will be taken,” Kumar stated.

Demand for Accountability and Transparent Governance

This incident highlights ongoing concerns over construction quality in rural areas, as residents seek accountability and transparent governance from local authorities. The viral video and subsequent protests may prompt further scrutiny into the public works projects being executed in the region.

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