Shahjahanpur BJP MLA Chetram has raised concerns about the substandard quality of roads constructed by the government after a video of him using a pen to scrape a part of an under-construction road went viral. During a surprise inspection in the Powayan police station area, the MLA discovered deficiencies in the quality of materials being used for construction.
The ongoing road widening project on a 17 km stretch connecting Powayan tehsil with Lakhimpur district is reportedly costing Rs 32 crore. Chetram observed that instead of gravel, mud was being used for construction. He visibly demonstrated his dissatisfaction by using a pen to scrape parts of the road.
Expressing his dismay, the BJP MLA vehemently criticized the junior engineer and the contractor, warning them of dire consequences, including imprisonment, if they compromised with the road's quality. He also accused a departmental officer of indulging in corrupt practices, emphasizing the Yogi Adityanath government's unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards in road construction.
Chetram vowed to escalate the issue to higher authorities within the government. This incident has sparked controversy within the Public Works Department (PWD).
Notably, Shahjahanpur is the home district of PWD Minister Jitin Prasada.
Local residents have echoed concerns about the durability of the road, expressing skepticism about its longevity. They fear that despite construction efforts, the road may deteriorate within a few months. Recent incidents, such as road cave-ins, have highlighted the subpar construction quality and have raised alarms about the ongoing construction activities.
