Questions Raised Over Quality of Road Construction at Sandipani School Campus in Deori

Quality Concerns Emerge at Sandipani School Campus

In Deori, Sagar district, the Sandipani Higher Secondary School, recently inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, is now embroiled in controversy over the quality of ongoing construction work within its premises.

Following reports of water leakage in the school building during the very first monsoon rains, serious questions are now being raised about the quality of the concrete (CC) road being constructed on the school grounds. Local residents and public representatives have accused the contractor of violating construction standards and wasting public funds.

Allegations of Substandard Road Construction

It is alleged that the CC road being built around the school, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹36.45 crore, has a significantly lower thickness than prescribed norms. Local residents claim the road's thickness is merely 2 to 3 inches, whereas public works require a much greater thickness and a robust base.

Sources indicate that the road construction is reportedly not using a hard coat or vibrators, and only local small aggregate is being used. This practice could negatively impact the road's strength and durability.

Previous Quality Issues and Renewed Discontent

Previously, water leakage incidents in the school building had already cast a shadow on the performance of the construction agency and the concerned contractor. Following media reports and an inspection by the Sagar Collector at that time, the contractor was instructed to carry out repair work.

Instructions were also issued to the Deori Sub-Divisional Officer, relevant officials, and the school management to ensure the quality of construction and to conduct regular supervision. Despite these directives, the alleged irregularities in the current CC road construction have further fueled public anger.

Citizens believe that such shoddy construction work in an educational complex built at a cost of crores of rupees could lead to significant problems in the future and is a cause for concern regarding safety.

Citizens Demand Immediate Investigation

Residents of the area have urged the administration to intervene immediately and dispatch a technical team to the construction site for a thorough inspection of the road's thickness, quality, and the materials being used.

They argue that if a fair investigation is not conducted promptly, the road could deteriorate quickly, leading to not only inconvenience but also a substantial loss of public funds. The need for transparency and accountability in this construction work has been emphasized to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Expectation of Action from Responsible Officials

Local citizens have appealed to the district administration, the Public Works Department, and the Education Department officials to take serious cognizance of the matter. They have demanded a physical verification of the construction work and stringent action against the contractor or responsible officials if found guilty.

Quality control is considered a crucial aspect of government projects, and such allegations cast doubt on these processes. The recurring nature of such construction-related complaints in important government institutions like schools also raises serious questions about transparency and oversight in government functioning.

For construction projects of such a large budget, quality control and technical supervision are extremely essential to ensure the proper utilization of public money and the long-term durability of the structures built.

Sub-Divisional Officer's Response

In this regard, Deori Sub-Divisional Officer Munawwar Khan stated that the school building construction tender includes a three-year repair clause. If the building or road deteriorates within three years, the contractor is obligated to reconstruct it. He also mentioned that the current construction work is proceeding correctly.

It remains to be seen what steps will be taken at the administrative level. Citizens hope their complaints will be addressed and stern action will be taken against the guilty to maintain quality in government projects.