Locals seek high-level probe; officials say work to remain suspended till inspection and formalities are completed

Aqzar Raheel 

Ganderbal, May 25 (KNZ/TMJ): The Power Development Department (PDD) in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal has stopped the ongoing electric pole installation work along Ring Road 2A from Manigam to Pandach after allegations of irregularities in the execution of the project surfaced, officials and local sources said on Monday.

Sources told news agency Kashmir News Zone-the Media Journal that the work, being carried out under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project, had allegedly commenced near the Serch area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district without proper departmental supervision, material inspection, or mandatory technical clearance.

They alleged that several electric poles were installed without completion of the required official formalities and documentation, raising concerns over the manner in which the work was being executed.

The matter came to light after media reports highlighted the alleged violations, following which the department intervened and ordered an immediate halt to the work, sources said.

A senior PDD official confirmed that the installation work has been suspended and said it would remain halted until proper inspection of the materials and completion of all necessary departmental procedures.

Meanwhile, locals have urged the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal and the concerned Superintending Engineer (SE) to constitute a high-level inquiry committee to probe the matter and fix responsibility in case any negligence or procedural violations are established.

Residents said transparency, accountability, and proper monitoring were essential in public infrastructure projects to ensure quality standards and public safety are not compromised.(KNZ/TMJ)