Cong MLA alleges corruption in village road construction in Fatehabad

Fatehabad Congress MLA Balwan Singh Daulatpuria has raised allegations of corruption in the construction of village roads in the Bhattu block. He has sent a written complaint to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini and Panchayat Minister Krishan Panwar, along with photos and videos as evidence.

These roads were built under the supervision of the Zila Parishad. MLA Daulatpuria stated that the roads from Ramsara village to Jogiwala via Daiyyad were built at a cost of Rs 2.56 crore, and another road from Chaharwala to Mirana via Daiyar cost Rs 2.25 crore. He alleged that very poor-quality materials were used in both projects.

According to him, the condition of the roads began to deteriorate within just four days of completion, clearly showing signs of weak construction. He demanded an immediate investigation into the matter, action against those responsible, cancellation of the contractor's tender, a heavy fine, and blacklisting of the firm involved.

The MLA also claimed that proper road construction processes were not followed. He said that contractors laid tar directly on the soil without using the required stone base layer. The side walls meant to support the road structure were also missing.

In Daiyar village, old and broken blocks were reportedly used instead of new ones, though full payment was claimed for the new material. He also mentioned that a specific road stretch which was supposed to be a 6-ft wide interlock road was built instead as a 12-ft tar road, which did not match the approved plan. Additionally, layers of stone and granular sub-base material were not properly laid. These corruption claims come at a time when the Zila Parishad is already going through internal turmoil. There is ongoing rebellion against the council’s Chairperson, Suman Khichar, who is also the BJP’s district secretary.

A total of 12 council members, including BJP-supported ones, are pushing for her removal. Meanwhile, the BJP is trying to retain her. Meanwhile Zila Parishad Chairperson Suman Khichar said she had received a complaint about irregularities in road construction and had already ordered an investigation two days ago. She assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty. Responding to the other allegations made by the MLA, she said the situation was not as bad as being claimed it's not true that only soil was used without any gravel underneath the road. Suman added that this was a BJP-led government, and all work was done with full transparency. However, if there were genuine complaints, they would be thoroughly investigated, and action taken against the officials concerned, employees, or contractors.