Borkhola: Road or Scam? Durgapur Calls Out Shoddy Construction

Residents of Durgapur under the Borkhola constituency in Cachar have raised serious allegations of irregularities in the ongoing road construction work on the Chechri–Ganirgram road using Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology. Protesting locals have accused the contractors of using substandard materials and carrying out the work without proper transparency.

The protest, led by members of the Durgapur Star Light Club including Shahajan Ahmed Qazi, took place on Tuesday. Locals claimed that while the prescribed norm requires around 24 kilograms of cement per square metre, the work was being carried out using only about 10 to 11 kilograms.

Following the protest, the site engineer visited the location and inspected the work. According to residents, measurements taken at the site confirmed that the cement usage was significantly below the required level.

The residents demanded that the construction be redone following proper standards. They also warned of a larger public agitation if their concerns are not addressed.

Speaking to reporters, a local protester alleged that the quality of work had declined after the initial phase of construction. He said the workers attempted to continue work in the absence of the supervising engineer, citing possible rainfall, but were stopped by locals until proper supervision was ensured.

He further claimed that the engineer later stated that each square metre should use around 24 kilograms of cement and 300 grams of chemicals. However, upon checking, the locals found that only 10 to 11 kilograms of cement and around 150 to 200 grams of chemicals were being used.

The protester added that after the demonstration, work resumed under closer supervision and showed some improvement. He also alleged that repair work on previously completed stretches has begun ahead of a departmental inspection expected next week.

Locals expressed concern that if such irregularities occur during the experimental implementation of FDR technology in Assam, its long-term effectiveness could be compromised.

Meanwhile, members of the Durgapur Star Light Club stated that a written complaint will soon be submitted to the Cachar District Commissioner, urging authorities to ensure accountability and maintain quality standards in public infrastructure projects.