By TC News Desk
Agartala, 2nd May 2025: Residents of Madhupur panchayat ward number 2 took to the streets last night, forcibly stopping a controversial drainage project they claim is riddled with substandard materials and mismanagement.
The project involves laying a 200-meter drain from Rath Chowmuhani to Mithu Sarkar’s house had been long-awaited by locals struggling with severe waterlogging after even minimal rainfall. However, allegations of poor-quality construction materials soon emerged, with Panchayat member Mithu Sarkar stating, “From the very beginning, the work was being done using substandard sand, bricks, and cement. It collapsed after just a little rain, proving the lack of durability.”
According to reports, subcontractor Mithun Shil had been overseeing the work, despite repeated objections from both locals and elected officials. Locals allege that Shil continued construction against demands to halt, using influence to push forward. Residents finally mobilized yesterday by 9 PM, demanding an immediate stop to the work. “The entire drainage system is being built improperly. Even the required downstream section isn’t being constructed,” said a frustrated resident.
The protest forced a complete shutdown of the project, with Panchayat member Mithu Sarkar acknowledging the substandard quality. “This work cannot go forward in such a manner under any circumstances. It is unacceptable,” he asserted. The locals now await action from authorities against the alleged irregularities in the project. Many have warned that unless the work is redone with proper materials, they will escalate their movement.
Meanwhile, concerns over the broader contracting system remain, as complaints of unqualified contractors taking up vital public projects continue to surface. “Contractors with no expertise are exploiting public funds. If the government does not intervene, the reputation of both the administration and the panchayat will suffer irreparable damage,” a protestor emphasized.
As residents demand accountability, all eyes are now on local authorities to see whether corrective measures will be taken to ensure quality in public infrastructure projects.
