Ajay Sharma
Sundarbani, June 2
Amid the ongoing controversy over the construction of a community hall in a reportedly landslide-prone area of Nala Panchayat, fresh concerns have emerged following reports of damage to a panchayat rest room allegedly built at the same vulnerable location.
According to local residents, the proposed community hall could face a similar fate if construction proceeds at the present site. They claimed that the rest room, constructed by the panchayat for use by elected representatives and visitors, suffered extensive damage after debris and soil from an adjoining hillside slid onto the structure during adverse weather conditions.
Residents argued that the damaged facility serves as a warning against undertaking major public construction projects in areas susceptible to landslides.
“Photographs and videos circulating on social media show the remains of the rest room partially buried under debris,” locals said, questioning the planning and site-selection process for developmental works in the area.
The issue has gained momentum as several residents have raised objections to the location selected for the proposed community hall.
Meanwhile, sources said the vulnerability of the site had earlier been flagged during technical assessments.
“Despite these apprehensions, efforts are being made to proceed with the project,” sources claimed. “The condition of the rest room clearly demonstrates the risks associated with constructing public infrastructure beneath unstable hill slopes. Authorities should learn from this experience and reassess the proposed site before public funds are invested in another project.”
Residents have urged the administration to conduct a fresh geological and technical assessment of the site and make the findings public.
They have also sought accountability for the expenditure incurred on the damaged rest room and demanded that responsibility be fixed if any negligence is established.
The residents further called for an independent inquiry into the planning and execution of developmental works in the panchayat.
Locals maintained that alternative sites with safer terrain, better accessibility and adequate parking facilities are available within the panchayat and should be considered for the proposed community hall.
