Ajay Sharma
Rajouri, February 19
The residents of Nala Panchayat in Sunderbani Tehsil of Rajouri District have accused the political leadership of alleged interference that are hindering progress of bridge construction.
According to locals, the bridge, intended to span a nala, aims to provide safe passage for dozens of schoolchildren who currently face significant hardships during the rainy season.
“Without a reliable crossing, students are often unable to attend school for extended periods when water levels rise, disrupting their education and daily routines,” said locals, adding that few years ago, an initial bridge construction effort was undertaken but reportedly fell short of expectations.
Following complaints, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma (IAS) took prompt action.
“He directed officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Sunderbani Division, to cancel the existing construction and initiate a fresh tender process to ensure quality and accountability,” said locals, adding that the new tender was awarded to contractor Mukesh Kumar, son of Thoru Ram, a resident of Sunderbani.
After receiving a low-rate acceptance letter from the department, the contractor prepared to commence work at the site in Kalwadka Lantern area, Ward No. 1, Nala Panchayat.
However, residents claimed that some former Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) member has been actively discouraging the contractor from proceeding.
“The ex-PRI misled the contractor by claiming no funds were available for the project or that the site allocation was erroneous, urging him not to start work,” asserted locals, adding that the contractor has reportedly been shuttled between Assistant Works Inspector (AWI) and Junior Engineer (JE) offices, with instructions to halt or relocate efforts.
Locals accused the ex-PRI of prioritizing personal gains over community welfare, using influence to control local decisions and potentially positioning for upcoming elections to positions such as District Development Council (DDC), Block Development Council (BDC), or Sarpanch.
Locals have appealed Deputy Commissioner and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Sunderbani, urging immediate intervention.
Moreover, they demanded accountability from the concerned Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) and Junior Engineer (JE), Sunderbani subdivision, on the reasons for the delays, the contradictory instructions to the contractor, and why site markings or inspections have not been conducted promptly.
As of now, work on the vital bridge remains stalled, leaving schoolchildren vulnerable during inclement weather and highlighting broader concerns about local governance interference in developmental projects.
