Jalandhar: Model Town Roads damaged within 3 months of construction

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 18

Model Town residents took to streets today in protest against the Municipal Corporation (MC) over the deteriorating condition of roads that were constructed only three months ago in the area.

Potholes on several roads

• Potholes have appeared on several roads, particularly along the road from Model Town Gurdwara through Nikku Park towards Geeta Mandir (behind Nikku Park). Similar condition was visible on other roads of Model Town, with cracks appearing and worsening by the day.

Residents write to CM, Vigilance Dept

• Residents also penned a letter to the Punjab Chief Minister, Local Bodies Minister, and the Vigilance Department, seeking a thorough investigation into the matter, citing mismanagement of taxpayers’ money in the construction of substandard roads.

They also penned a letter to the Punjab Chief Minister, Local Bodies Minister, and the Vigilance Department, seeking a thorough investigation into the matter, citing mismanagement of taxpayers’ money in the construction of substandard roads.

According to residents, roads were repaired and constructed in their vicinity and several other parts of the city from October to December last year. However, potholes have appeared on several roads, particularly along the road from Model Town Gurdwara through Nikku Park towards Geeta Mandir (behind Nikku Park). Similar condition was visible on other roads of Model Town, with cracks appearing and worsening by the day.

Tejasvi Minhas, one of the protesters, alleged that substandard material was used in the repair and construction of roads. There seems to be a gross misuse of taxpayers’ money.

The protesters suspect high-level corruption in tender allocation and road construction. They advocated for the formation of a committee to scrutinise tender allocation details, sanctioned material and actual usage.

The residents demanded that a comprehensive survey of roads by third-party engineers must be conducted to assess quality. If any malpractice was found, stringent action must be taken against contractors and MC officials concerned.

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