A STRIKING scene near Kandadi school in Koylibeda block has brought the condition of rural connectivity into focus, with tribal residents themselves repairing a damaged stretch of a Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road that villagers claim should have been completed in 2022. Residents said rainwater had damaged the road twice. After waiting for repairs, villagers eventually mobilised themselves, using spades and other hand tools to fill the eroded portion and restore basic movement along the route. The road, villagers claimed, is part of a project costing around Rs 4 crore and remains incomplete. They further alleged that the contractor left without clearing payments due to tribal workers. These claims regarding the project cost, pending payments and contractor’s responsibility require verification from departmental records.

 

For residents, the damaged stretch affects more than routine travel. Schoolchildren, farmers, patients and villagers use the route for access to schools, markets and other essential facilities. The photograph from near Kandadi school shows villagers working on the damaged portion while students cross the site. Residents have sought an official inspection covering construction quality, drainage, the culvert, expenditure and payments made under the project. They also want responsibility fixed for the prolonged delay. PMGSY guidelines provide for all-weather rural connectivity and generally require five-year maintenance contracts alongside construction contracts, making the villagers’ allegations about an unfinished road and repeated rain damage particularly relevant for departmental scrutiny. The villagers have demanded permanent restoration instead of recurring temporary repairs and verification of why the project, scheduled for completion in 2022, allegedly remains unfinished.