Kanchanpur, Feb 11, 2025, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Kanchanpur Feb 11: The construction of a national highway from Kanchanpur to Manu via Mitrajoy Para has stirred extreme anger among the local residents.

The project, undertaken by JKM Company, has been ongoing for the past two years with little to show for it. Locals have raised serious concerns about the slow pace and poor quality of work being carried out.

Local residents have voiced their frustration, pointing out that the work is progressing at a snail's pace. They highlighted that the retaining walls on both sides of the road in several areas are being built on unstable filled soil, which poses a significant risk of collapse during the rainy season. Moreover, despite the winter season having passed, JKM Company has yet to resume road construction.

“They habitually commence work during the rainy season, making it impossible for locals to leave their homes and posing a grave risk to sick patients and expectant mothers needing hospital access”, alleged one of the locals.

Allegations have surfaced regarding the theft and resale of road construction materials, such as bitumen and cement.

In a recent incident, Kanchanpur police arrested two individuals, Prabir Nath and Sanjay Nam, who were caught smuggling bitumen.

Adding fuel to the fire, the only source of drinking water for the Mitrajoy area's residents has been destroyed due to the road construction.

Talkin g to the reporters, one of the locals alleged, “JKM officials had promised an alternative drinking water source and committed to supplying water by car, but these assurances have not been fulfilled resulting severe drinking water crisis”.

The locals have warned of launching a larger movement if road construction does not commence immediately and if the promised drinking water supply is not provided.