Sangrah-Lana Paler road widening delay irks locals amid dust hazards
The Sangrah-Lana Paler road widening project in Renuka Ji constituency has progressed sluggishly, causing severe disruption for residents. Dust from the ongoing construction, coupled with uncompleted pathways, has hampered daily commutes, with locals and business owners expressing frustration over the prolonged delays.
Initiated in March 2023 with funding from the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, the project aimed to widen a 12.27-km stretch at a cost of Rs 10.45 crore. Set for completion by August 2024 under Chauhan Construction, the work remains incomplete, with only the drainage systems underway. The contractor is also responsible for maintaining the road for five years post-completion, with an additional Rs 67 lakh allocated for this purpose.
Persistent dust along the construction zone, particularly in commercial and residential areas, has created daily issues for pedestrians, shopkeepers, and schoolchildren. Lack of regular water sprinkling by the contractor exacerbates the problem, especially for two-wheeler riders who face limited visibility, raising accident risks. Local farmland has also been impacted, with dust settling on fodder, affecting livestock feed quality and drawing discontent from farmers.
An official from the Public Works Department (PWD) confirmed that the contractor’s deadline has been extended to March. The PWD also assured locals that steps would be taken to mitigate the dust issue and minimise disruptions for residents.
