PMGSY Roads Damaged In Khargone, Villagers Allege Official Inaction

A significant issue has arisen in Jhirniya tehsil under Khargone, where residents are alleging that roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are being severely damaged.

The problem is said to have started when a contractor, engaged in laying optical fibre cables, excavated road shoulders at several locations without taking adequate safeguards. This has led to damage to the roads, with villagers claiming that officials are not taking timely action despite repeated complaints.

One of the latest incidents occurred near the Khedapati Hanuman Temple on the Malipura road, where a JCB machine allegedly excavated land adjoining the asphalt road while laying underground cables. According to locals, the digging damaged water pipeline connections, leading to a dispute between the temple committee and the contractor.

Following objections, the work was temporarily halted and the matter was reported to PMGSY officials and the local administration. However, residents claim that no senior official visited the location, despite photographs of the site being sent to SDM Lokesh Chapre.

The villagers have expressed concern that the repeated excavation is weakening the PMGSY roads and increasing the risk of accidents. They have also alleged that the contractor continued work despite protests and questioned why no effective action had been taken.

Temple committee members and villagers have alleged administrative inaction, claiming that damaged machinery was occasionally seized only to be released later, allowing work to resume.

Assistant Manager Sandeep Srivastava of PMGSY, Khargone, has stated that he was unable to visit the site but would inspect it on Thursday. PMGSY General Manager Yogesh Sharma has said that Assistant Manager Srivastava had been directed to take action, adding that several PMGSY roads had already been damaged and the matter required attention.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is a flagship scheme of the Indian government that aims to provide good all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages. The scheme has been instrumental in improving the lives of people in rural areas, but the damage to roads in Khargone has raised concerns about the implementation and maintenance of the scheme.

The issue highlights the need for effective monitoring and supervision of the scheme to ensure that the roads are constructed and maintained properly. It also underscores the importance of taking timely action against contractors who damage the roads, to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the people.

In conclusion, the damage to PMGSY roads in Khargone is a matter of concern that requires immediate attention from the authorities. The villagers' allegations of official inaction need to be investigated and addressed, to ensure that the scheme is implemented effectively and the roads are maintained properly.

The incident has significant implications for the people of Khargone, who rely on the PMGSY roads for their daily commute. The damage to the roads can lead to accidents and disrupt the lives of the people, highlighting the need for urgent action to repair and maintain the roads.

Overall, the issue of damaged PMGSY roads in Khargone is a complex one that requires a coordinated effort from the authorities, contractors, and the local community to resolve. It is essential to take a proactive approach to address the issue and ensure that the scheme is implemented effectively, to improve the lives of the people in rural areas.