Srinagar, 25 Jan, KDC: The prolonged vacancy of the Executive Engineer (R&B) post in Bandipora has triggered serious concerns among residents, with locals alleging that the quality of road infrastructure across the district has sharply deteriorated due to administrative neglect and overburdened leadership.
At present, the Executive Engineer, PMGSY, Bandipora is holding additional charge of the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Division. Locals say this dual responsibility has adversely affected the functioning of both departments, resulting in poor supervision, substandard execution, and rapid deterioration of recently completed works.
According to residents, several macadamisation and patchwork projects undertaken since September 2025 by both PMGSY and R&B have already suffered visible damage. Cracks, peeling surfaces, and potholes have appeared on roads laid just months ago, raising serious questions about the quality of materials used and on-ground monitoring.
One of the most cited examples is the Gamroo to C.A. Khan road, which was recently macadamised by the PMGSY department. Locals claim that the road began developing cracks within a few days of completion, causing widespread public resentment.
“Most of the macadamisation works carried out in the last few months have already been damaged. This reflects poor quality control and lack of accountability,” said Irfan Ahmad, a local resident. He added that people are forced to suffer despite repeated assurances of development.
Social media platforms are flooded with images and videos showing damaged roads, broken surfaces, and deteriorating patchwork, further amplifying public anger. Netizens have questioned how newly laid roads could fail so quickly, especially ahead of harsh winter conditions.
Locals have unanimously appealed to higher authorities to immediately appoint a permanent Executive Engineer for the R&B Division, Bandipora, stating that dedicated leadership is essential to ensure proper planning, strict monitoring, and durable execution of public works.
They warn that unless urgent corrective steps are taken, public funds will continue to be wasted on short-lived projects, and the district’s road infrastructure will further deteriorate, causing hardship to commuters and residents alike. (KDC)
