The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) is under scrutiny after road recarpeting work proceeded during intermittent rain in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar on Sunday, raising doubts about the durability of the newly laid surface. The project, valued at Rs 6.5 crore, aims to repair internal roads across several residential colonies.
Residents Express Alarm Over Wet-Weather Construction
Residents of G Block observed workers carrying out recarpeting and leveling despite the showers. Arvind Sharma, a local resident, said, “The road recarpeting had been pending for a long time and we were happy that it was finally being undertaken. However, the work should have been carried out under suitable weather conditions. If the work is affected by rain, the recarpeted road may not last long.”
Locals noted that the work continued even though the weather forecast had predicted rain. They argued that proper supervision, especially during the monsoon, is essential to ensure contractors adhere to prescribed standards.
Lack of Oversight and Recurring Issues
Residents claimed no senior LIT official was present at the site during the recarpeting. They pointed out that a similar problem had emerged in another locality the previous week, where road construction also took place in wet conditions. Despite objections, no corrective action was taken, they alleged.
The community has demanded that LIT inspect the ongoing work, verify material quality, and only proceed when engineering specifications can be met. They suggested that work be suspended until weather improves.
LIT Chairman Responds
LIT Chairman Tarsem Bhinder assured the public that quality would not be compromised. “Public money cannot be allowed to go to waste. I will seek a detailed report from the officials concerned and inspect whether the contractor followed the prescribed norms. If any negligence is found, strict action will be taken against the officials and the contractor responsible. I have also directed that road recarpeting should not be carried out during rain or when weather conditions are unsuitable,” Bhinder said.
The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about infrastructure development in Ludhiana, with residents calling for greater accountability and adherence to technical norms, especially during the monsoon season.
