'Public works in Kalasa village substandard'

“They carried out development works without holding discussion with the people. Several substandard quality public works worth lakhs of rupees were implemented unnecessarily,” said Ratnarajaiah, a villager.

When the works of concrete road, drainage and canal were initiated, all the 63 families in the village were happy and expecting development. However, only when the work was completed, they realised that they should not have allowed authorities to undertake works without quality. “It was our fault that we did not oppose when they carried out works without giving priority to quality,” villagers lamented.

The rehabilitation colony of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) project displaced families situated in Jambale. In the initial stage, all families extended support and co-operation for the development works. “The quality of the road concrete was not upto the mark. The curing process for the concrete has not been done. Now the road is in such a condition that the metal used in the concrete started loosening. It is sure that the road will be damaged completely within one or two years,” said villager Shanthappa Gowda.

Another resident Mithrasena said that only some people with self-interests were benefited with the implementation of works. “There was no need of a concrete road, as the existing asphalted road was in good condition,” he added.
A hanging bridge was the need of the hour across Bhadra river in Karikethota. However, it was not taken up under the scheme. 

Meanwhile, the drainages were constructed in an unscientific way. Though the village needs retaining walls at many places, funds were not sanctioned for the purpose. Even though there is a community hall in Jambale, authorities are planning to construct a new community hall at an estimated cost of Rs 50 demolishing the old one. Taluk Panchayat former Member K C Dharanendra said that the villagers are planning to meet the Deputy Commissioner to stop the work.
DH News Service