The Public Works Department has started removing asphalt from a section of the Kanda-Rawatsera-Banspatan motor road in Bageshwar after residents and taxi drivers protested against paving carried out during heavy rain.

A JCB was deployed at the site the following day to remove the work. The action has intensified concerns over construction quality and the procedure followed during the road project.

Work carried out near Banspatan-Bhayun

The disputed paving was reported near Banspatan-Bhayun while weather conditions were unfavourable and heavy rain was falling. Local residents questioned whether the work could meet required standards when it was carried out in such conditions.

Residents said rushing the work during bad weather could directly affect the road’s quality. They also questioned why paving was undertaken when the weather was unsuitable, whose instructions authorised it and why the completed work had to be removed soon afterwards.

The objections have also raised wider questions about supervision of the road construction. Local people are seeking a high-level technical inquiry to establish whether the prescribed standards were followed.

They have further demanded that responsibility be fixed if any lapse is confirmed. The demand comes as the department examines the section where the asphalt was laid during the rain.

PWD orders technical inquiry

PWD Executive Engineer Rishiraj Verma said the department took immediate notice of the matter because of its seriousness. He said quality standards would not be compromised over work carried out in adverse weather.

According to Verma, the work was removed from the location where objections had been raised. He said a technical investigation is being conducted into the entire matter.

Verma added that strict action would be taken under the rules if negligence is found at any level. The investigation is therefore expected to clarify whether the paving complied with technical requirements and how the work was approved during the adverse weather.

Conclusion

The immediate verified action is the removal of the disputed asphalt near Banspatan-Bhayun and a PWD technical investigation. The department has said responsibility will be fixed under the rules if negligence is established.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which road is involved in the dispute?

The issue concerns the Kanda-Rawatsera-Banspatan motor road in Bageshwar.

Q. Where was the disputed paving carried out?

It was carried out near Banspatan-Bhayun.

Q. Why did residents and taxi drivers object?

They objected because asphalt was laid during heavy rain and questioned whether the work could meet construction standards.

Q. What action has the Public Works Department taken?

The department deployed a JCB and began removing the asphalt from the disputed location the following day.

Q. Who is conducting the inquiry?

The Public Works Department is conducting a technical investigation into the matter.

Q. What has the PWD said about possible negligence?

Executive Engineer Rishiraj Verma said strict action would be taken under the rules if negligence is found at any level.