The Pangti Village Students' Union expresses strong resentment over substandard PMGSY Doyang–Mangmetong road construction work.
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KOHIMA — The Pangti Village Students’ Union (PVSU) has expressed strong dissatisfaction and resentment over the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase III Doyang–Mangmetong road construction, stating that it has failed to meet the expectations and needs of the public.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, PVSU President Bonao Lotha stated that the Mangmetong-Doyang road project, which was launched on September 13, 2023, is the only lifeline connecting Pangti village along with five other villages. He noted that due to its slow progress, the stretch becomes unmotorable even after slight rainfall.
He added that there is no alternative road, and any negligence, delay, or substandard workmanship directly affects the lives, movement, economy, and safety of the local population.
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The PVSU president said that while the first earth cutting was scheduled to be completed, the contractor continues to extend the timeline. He pointed out that because there are no drainages for rainwater to flow, water blocks the road and renders it unplayable.
He also accused the construction firm of using cheap, low-quality materials for culverts and retaining walls along the stretch, claiming the sand used costs only INR 25 to INR 30 per tin, and the cement is of poor quality.
Bonao stated that although the Detailed Project Report (DPR) assured the use of high-quality materials, the contractors are not following the specifications.
According to a press release from the union issued on Wednesday, even minor rainfall turns the road into a pathetic and unmotorable condition, causing extreme hardship for taxi services, private vehicles, commuters, and the general public. The union stated that such conditions clearly reflect irresponsible and poor execution of the project.
The union condemned the usage of substandard raw materials in the construction of culverts, side retaining walls, and related works, stating that the blatant compromise in quality is completely unacceptable. They demanded that if the contractor cannot provide high-quality materials, the public at least deserves average-standard materials that can withstand normal usage and weather conditions.
On May 18, the PVSU conducted an inspection of the ongoing PMGSY Phase III construction site and met with the site in-charge, site engineer, supervisor, and officials of M/S LPSS Infra to urge them to immediately accelerate the pace of work.
The union also directed the officials to intimate the main contractor regarding a severe shortage of machinery and equipment, which has greatly hampered progress. They maintained that because of the extremely slow progress, the public is facing untold difficulties in transportation, medical emergencies, educational activities, business operations, and daily movement.
The PVSU has resolved to continue inspecting and monitoring the ongoing PMGSY Phase III road construction to ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation process.
Further, the union has officially demanded that the construction company replace the poor-quality raw materials with immediate effect and strictly maintain the required construction standards.
“The PVSU firmly stands against any form of negligence, corruption, improper functioning, and substandard workmanship which are totally contrary to the Detailed Project Report (DPR)," stated the press release.
In this regard, the PVSU, village gaon buras (GBs), committee members, and the public have urged the contractor to take immediate corrective measures and complete the earth cutting, culverts, side drains, and retaining walls before the heavy monsoon season.