HAJIN: An under-construction drainage pipeline on the busy Hajin-Sopore road has started to collapse along a five-meter stretch in north Kashmir’s Hajin town, at which people are accusing the authorities of having used sub-standard material.
According to the locals, the drain collapse bears witness to the bad quality of work and material used on the part of the contractors.
The locals also said that the base of the drainage is not good, as it was built using the same material that was extracted while digging the road.
Zahoor Ahmad, a resident of Hajin, said, “We were surprised when we saw that the drain had collapsed near Masjid Umar Mir Mohallah. It is because of sub-standard material used in the construction. Now it hampers the smooth movement of pedestrians and vehicles.”
He added that the officials concerned never visited the site to assess the construction.
“What will happen when heavy, loaded vehicles will pass over it? This whole drainage will collapse,” Ahmad said.
Another local, Riyaz Ahmad Mir, said that the sub-standard material in construction can be seen in the cracks that have started to appear on the pipes. “You can see for yourself,” he pointed out.
Locals demanded that the AEE (assistant executive engineer) must carry out inspection of the work.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad told Kashmir Reader that he will look into the matter and action will be taken against the contractor.
Executive Engineer, R&B division Hajin, Manzoor Ahmad told Kashmir Reader that he has personally ordered for the collapsed part to be dismantled and then built again.
Asked about claims of sub-standard material used by the contractor, he said, “The material used for construction is good. The drainage pipeline will be thoroughly tested before being used.”

GOWHAR MAQBOOL