Some irregularities have come to fore in the road construction being done on NH-43 in Patthalgaon. As per local residents, the road construction going on at NH-43 is reportedly not done according to the approved road map. Local residents have raised several issues and demanded a relevant step into the matter. It needs a mention here that NH 43 connecting Ranchi in Jharkhand to Katni in MP passes through Patthalgaon. Land was acquired by the Government from place to place for the construction of concrete road construction and road widening. As per information, land was also to be acquired from Karumhua to Karmitikra located on Patthalgaon to Sitapur road. The process of land acquisition has been completed and the construction work was also started recently. But since the commencement of the work, a dispute has arisen regarding the construction of the road.

 

The local residents have alleged that instead of using the acquired land in the widening of the road, the construction work is done on the old road itself. A complaint in this regard has also been made to Collector Jashpur and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. Villagers said that on the basis of survey of Highway 43 in Karumahua in 2014, a proposal was made to straighten the road and on its basis, land acquisition was done. However, the road construction work is not done properly. Villagers have also accused the concerned authorities of changing the road map to benefit certain people. People said that the road being constructed is not straight but crooked and this might lead to severe road accidents. They said that there have been frequent accidents here, due to which this area has been marked as an accident prone area. But all concerns have been brushed aside to benefit a few. The residents have demanded a ban on road construction with immediate effect.

 

They said that the construction should be done on the basis of the predetermined map so that the area can be free from accidents. The residents have also alleged that the road is being widened in only one direction. They added that on both sides of the National Highway, space is left for footpaths so that people coming on foot or small vehicles like cycles do not face inconvenience but at present, no space is left for footpaths in the extension direction. Villagers demanded an inquiry and relevant steps in the matter. When contacted SDO Nitesh Tiwari said the road is being built as per the road map. He said that there has been no change in the map. The position of both the road and the proposed land can be clear only by looking at the map. If land has been acquired then it can be used in future, he added.