Re-laying of stretch in Karnal sector sparks row, DC orders inquiry

The re-laying of a 150-metre tile road in Sector 13 of Karnal has sparked controversy, as residents along the stretch have expressed mixed reactions. While several questioned the necessity of the project, a few supported it. Angered by the work, some residents stopped the construction and prevented the contractor from digging further. The contractor has since restored only the section that had already been dug up.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner-cum-Commissioner of the Karnal Municipal Corporation has ordered an inquiry to verify the facts. “If there was no need to construct the road and it was still done, then action will be taken against those who checked and passed its feasibility,” said Singh.

According to information, digging for  re-laying of the road began a couple of days ago. However, residents soon objected, arguing that the road was in good condition and did not require relaying. They prevented the contractor from continuing the work.

They said the existing road was relatively new and questioned why it was being re-laid. “There was only a small patch that was lower than the rest of the road, but that did not justify digging up of the entire stretch. That particular patch could have been fixed,” said a resident. Another resident claimed that a recently constructed house in the lane had required digging for water and sewer connections, and that the homeowner should have repaired the damage rather than MC reconstructing the entire stretch.

Surprisingly, former ward councillor Vir Vikram Kumar and his daughter, Aashya Kumar, an independent councillor from Ward 10, said they were unaware of the work.

“My daughter and I were not informed about the work being carried out. I was told by local residents that there was no need to reconstruct the road. I was shocked to learn that a well-maintained road had been dug up for relaying. If there had been any waterlogging issue, that specific patch could have been levelled, but instead the whole stretch was dug up,” said Vir Vikram Kumar.

However, some residents supported the project, arguing that the road had potholes and improper levelling, especially during the monsoon. They said the uneven surface often caused waterlogging and inconvenience, making repairs or relaying necessary.

Naveen Kumar, a local resident, said there was indeed a waterlogging issue and the entire stretch was being relaid to address it. When some people objected, the work was halted and only the already-dug portion was restored.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (AMC) Ashok Kumar said a tender worth around Rs 17 lakh had been approved for maintenance, relaying and other road-related works in Sector-13. “There was a waterlogging issue, so relaying of a particular stretch was started,” he added