Sirsa MLA inspects road construction site, orders cancellation of contract

On receiving public complaints regarding poor-quality material being used for the construction of a road at Auto Market in Sirsa, local MLA Gokul Setia visited the site and after an inspection, he ordered the Junior Engineer (JE) concerned to immediately stop the work and cancel the contract of the builder.

The MLA, along with the Tehsildar, during the inspection of the road on Thursday, observed that the bricks used for construction were of very poor quality. He immediately called the JE and asked about the in-charge of the work. The JE admitted that no work order had been given to the agency as yet.

Locals have accused the Municipal Corporation of being involved in corrupt practices in the city's road- and street-related projects. In the past, nearly Rs 50 lakh was spent on filling the potholes, but complaints about the poor quality materials used and mismanagement led to an investigation by the CM Flying Squad. However, the case has been stuck for two years without any resolution. Furthermore, seven new streets were tested, but the results have not led to any action.

After the exposure of the issue at the market, shopkeepers told the MLA that the work had been going on for several days. They claimed that instead of soil, garbage was being used as rubble and substandard bricks were being laid. Upon inspecting the site, the MLA confirmed the complaints. The JE, who had previously denied knowing about the work, promised to stop it immediately and remove the debris.

Rahul Kumar, the JE at Sirsa MC, confirmed that tenders for the construction of a 200-ft road in the Auto Market had been issued, but no work order was assigned to the agency. He said an investigation would be launched in the matter and that the rubble would be removed before any further work began.