Allegations of Corruption in Nehru Nagar Drain Project; Valmiki Community Demands Probe into Poor-Quality Construction
By K.D. Abbasi
Kota: Residents of the Valmiki settlement in Nehru Nagar on Chambal Road, under the jurisdiction of Bhimganjmandi police station in Kota, have raised serious allegations of corruption and substandard construction in an under-construction drainage project. The residents have accused the contractor of using inferior materials and ignoring prescribed technical standards, claiming that the project, intended to resolve the area's long-standing waterlogging problem, may instead create new hardships.
According to local residents, the Valmiki settlement, home to more than 1,000 families, has been facing severe waterlogging during the monsoon for several years. Every rainy season, water enters homes to depths of two to four feet, causing financial losses and creating serious health hazards. To address this recurring problem, the Kota Municipal Corporation approved the construction of the drainage system as a permanent solution.
Construction Incomplete Despite Three Months of Work
Residents alleged that construction began nearly three to four months ago but remains incomplete. With the monsoon season already underway, the slow pace of work has become a matter of concern. Several sections of the drain remain unfinished, disrupting movement in the locality and increasing the risk of accidents.
Drain Being Built Higher Than the Road
Locals have also questioned the design of the project, alleging that the drain is being constructed at a level higher than the adjoining road. They argue that if the drain remains elevated, rainwater from streets and residential lanes will not flow into it properly, rendering the project ineffective and allowing the waterlogging problem to continue.
Allegations of Inferior Construction Materials
Residents further alleged that the quality of construction is far below acceptable standards. They claim that 8 mm steel reinforcement bars are being used instead of the prescribed 10 mm bars. They also alleged that the spacing between the reinforcement bars is approximately one foot, whereas technical specifications require a spacing of around six inches.
In addition, residents have claimed that thin and weak stone slabs are being used to cover the drain instead of durable reinforced cement concrete (RCC) slabs. They fear that these covers may crack or collapse within a short period, posing a serious safety risk to pedestrians and motorists.
Alleged Collusion Between Engineers and Contractor
According to the residents, complaints regarding the alleged irregularities have been submitted several times to the concerned engineers and municipal officials, but no corrective action has been taken so far. They have alleged possible collusion between the contractor and supervising officials and have demanded an impartial investigation into the execution of the project.
Demand for High-Level Technical Inquiry
Members of the Valmiki community have urged the Municipal Corporation, district administration, and elected public representatives to order an independent technical inspection of the drainage project. They have demanded that if any violations of engineering standards or instances of corruption are found, strict action should be taken against the contractor and the responsible officials. They also insisted that the drain should be completed strictly in accordance with approved technical specifications and quality standards.
Residents Warn of Protest
The residents have warned that if their grievances are not addressed promptly and the alleged poor-quality construction is not halted, the Valmiki community will be forced to launch an agitation. They stated that misuse of public funds would not be tolerated and that they are prepared to take the matter to the district administration and the state government if necessary.
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