A public interest litigation (PIL) case was filed in the Orissa High Court seeking vigilance inquiry into the Raighar-Umarkote road construction work on Friday.
Some local denizens who stood the petitioners alleged that the road connecting Umarkote and Raighar was in a pathetic condition.
The road work was implemented during 2014-2016 by contractors hired by the PWD and Rs 10.75 crore was spent for one stretch of the highway and Rs 12.30 core for another. The contractors openly flouted the construction norms and did not maintain the quality of the work. The surface of the road was damaged by rains and is full of pitfalls.
Earlier demanding a vigilance inquiry, they had submitted a memorandum to the district Collector and the higher officials of the PWD but no action was taken against the erring officials of the PWD and concerned contractor. In the meantime, instead of taking any action against the erring officials, a fresh tender was called for the repair of the highway at a cost of Rs 9 crore.
Meanwhile, the district Collector, Secretary Home department, Director General (Vigilance) and all the higher officials of the PWD have been made a party in the Writ petition.
