Work on Shiller-Pathia link road shoddy, allege villagers

Solan, January 11

Shoddy construction of the Shiller-Pathia link road, which connects Shiller to Sanawar in Kasauli tehsil, is causing hardships to the residents.

Carelessness alleged

Complaints have been received from villagers that slush has made the road inaccessible. However, no work has been done during the rains, though other tasks will be undertaken to ensure timely completion. — A PWD official

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Incessant rain over the past few days have aggravated their plight as the slushy road has become inaccessible. A large number of vehicles got stuck on the road as only muck has been used for filling it at various points. The rains not only eroded the filling but an earth excavation machine put in place by the contractor to level the road failed to provide any relief to the residents.

Some people have had a harrowing experience while travelling on this road. “A number of vehicles got stuck in the slush on Monday evening as the constant downpour made it difficult for the commuters to drive,” rued Ajay, a local resident.

The 3.5-km road, the work on which had begun in October 2020, was supposed to be completed within 18 months. However, it has not been completed. Also, the reckless construction has impacted several trees, which have become vulnerable and would give way if it rains any further, he added.

Range Forest Officer Sandeepna Gupta said the block forest officer had been directed to visit the site and take stock of the damage caused to the trees.

Meanwhile, locals rued that various works, like laying the culvert, were being done in the midst of the rainy season and the construction material lacked quality. Also, the earmarked dumping site was not being utilised and muck was being disposed on government land in violation of the norms, they rued.

An official of the PWD, when contacted, said complaints had been received from the local villagers about slush having made the road inaccessible. However, he denied that any work was being executed during the rains, though other tasks would be undertaken to ensure its timely completion.