Queries Emerge About Contracting Firm Gautam Agrawal and Work Transparency
Charges of misconducts and shoddy building practices have emerged about the construction of paddy storehouse in Bijapati village in the jurisdiction of Regada Panchayat in Karlamunda block of Kalahandi district of Odisha state.
The construction, said to cost several lakhs of rupees, was being done without putting up any informational board regarding the project at the site location. Villagers were raising queries about the transparency in the project execution and the quality of material used during the construction process.
Sources from the locality reported that the construction project was executed by contracting firm Gautam Agrawal based in Kesinga town. The villagers alleged that the construction was proceeding with the backing of departmental officers despite there being defects in the construction design.
Villagers alleged that there were irregularities in the construction from the very beginning stage of the project. They cited the exposure of reinforcement bars in the foundation area and the column rings, which should ideally be tied at a gap of six inches, but were actually tied at a gap of nine to ten inches.
In addition, locals have also pointed out the use of soil in the place of sand in some parts of the project, creating grave concerns about the safety and longevity of the structure.
This particular case has caused public outrage over misuse of government money meant for the farmers, as the construction is being carried out poorly. In this regard, it is being asked about the role of engineers who are supervising the work and if any quality control measures were adopted.
Now, in light of the above, locals are waiting to see what happens next regarding those involved.
