Guwahati: A newly reconstructed stretch of the Batadrava-Baruwati road in Assam’s Nagaon district is already falling apart. The road suffered damage after just light rainfall. This vital route connects the Morigaon district with the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva at Batadrava Than. It also acts as a primary link between Batadrava Than and Patekibari Than.
The Dhing Public Works Department oversees this project. Residents long suffered through poor road conditions, flooding, and waterlogging. The department finally sanctioned reconstruction work after public pressure and media reports. Now, locals claim the contractor is cutting corners. They report the use of inferior materials and improper building methods. Signs of decay appeared well before the monsoon rains started.
Locals pointed to a specific section near a pond where the contractor used bamboo poles for support instead of stone. Residents fear the road will quickly return to its old, ruined state. They claim they brought these safety concerns to the contractor, but the warnings fell on deaf ears. The public remains frustrated by the lack of oversight. One local stated, "We have urged the Nagaon District Commissioner and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order an inquiry into the alleged irregularities."
The community wants officials to hold those responsible for the lapses accountable. They demand better construction quality immediately. The PWD faces heavy criticism for failing to act despite repeated complaints from those who use the road daily.
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