Fund misappropriation alleged in bridge construction at Dhekera under Pachim Dhemaji

LAKHIMPUR: The Pachim Dhemaji regional committee of All Assam Students' Union (AASU) submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal demanding probe into the alleged misappropriation of fund with regard to construction of the RCC bridge at Dhekera under Pachim Dhemaji of Dhemaji district.

Notably, the bridge along Butikor-Ghuguha connecting road was constructed with the investment of a fund amounting to Rs. 3,10,65,532 sanctioned under package No. AS04-267 under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. The Dhemaji Divisional Office of the Public Works Department (State Roads) was the implementing agency of the package. The construction of the bridge was completed only a few months ago.

But the matter of concern is that the approach of the bridge at its one end has been affected by erosion and a part of the bridge is also seen sinking due to alleged technical defect in construction.

In connection with the issue, Pachim Dhemaji regional unit AASU general secretary Manas Pratim Koch informed that the allegations about the defective construction of the bridge were consecutively reported to the PWD Divisional office.

"But the office concerned has not initiated any step as a reply to these allegations and that is why the bridge has turned to be a death trap. So, we have demanded the Chief Minister to launch a probe into the misappropriation of fund regarding the construction of the bridge and reward due punishment to the officers and contractor concerned," the Pachim Dhemaji regional unit AASU general secretary said.