Uncovered manholes under sewerage project endanger lives in Sirsa villages

Anil Kakkar

Sirsa, July 18

Residents of Kusambi village here are facing serious life risks due to the substandard work on a sewerage pipeline project.

A pipeline laid for sewage disposal has become a hazard for them as around 10 uncovered manholes posing accident threats daily. Despite the Panchayat Department’s payment to the contractor, work on nearly 900-ft pipeline remains incomplete even a year after its construction began. Kusambi residents Suresh Kumar Saharan and Aadaram said that substandard construction material had been used in the project.

Ved Prakash, village sarpanch, said nearly Rs 10 lakh was allocated for the project. Initially, the project was planned with NP-3 pipes known for durability. Later, NP-2 pipes of lower quality was used due to an alleged collusion between the contractor and Panchayat Department.

Contractor Rajkumar Mehta said the work to cover the manholes got delayed because of weather. The villagers, however, demand immediate action from the Panchayat Department.

Junior Engineer Naresh Bansal acknowledged that some works of the project in Kusambi village remain incomplete, and clarified that the contractor had been paid for NP-2 pipes.