Trichy Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Hasty Road Construction Methods
Residents in Trichy's Cantonment area have raised significant concerns and opposition against the rapid road construction work being undertaken by the Trichy Corporation. The primary issue revolves around the corporation's failure to mill the old and damaged road surfaces before laying new bitumen, a procedural lapse that locals fear will severely compromise the quality and durability of the newly constructed roads.
Activists Highlight Procedural Lapses and Quality Concerns
C Balasubramanian, a prominent road safety activist, provided detailed observations regarding the ongoing construction activities. "Williams Road was swept and watered today, subsequently bitumen was spread and paved. Two days back, a similar method of hasty road relaying resulted in inferior quality. At present, road laying is done too quickly. Milling the surface of the old road was not at all done," he stated emphatically. This sentiment is echoed by numerous residents who argue that such shortcuts in the construction process could lead to substandard infrastructure that fails to withstand daily wear and tear.
Residents Warn of Practical and Environmental Consequences
The community has pointed out several practical issues arising from the omission of the milling process. Without properly milling the old road surface, the height of the new road is likely to increase significantly. This elevation change poses a serious risk of rainwater inundation in low-lying areas, potentially leading to flooding during monsoon seasons. Additionally, activists have questioned the structural integrity of the new road, wondering whether it can effectively bind to the old surface without the necessary milling, which is crucial for long-term stability.
Corporation's Response and Conflicting Viewpoints
In response to the growing criticism, a corporation official offered a different perspective. The official explained that the old road had already been damaged due to previous underground drainage (UGD) and drinking water pipeline works, making milling unnecessary in this specific case. "The old road was already damaged for the UGD and drinking water pipeline works, so milling was not necessary. Quality of the road work will not be compromised. Wherever milling is essential, we are carrying out the process," the official assured. However, residents remain skeptical and have urged the corporation to postpone the work until after the election period, allowing for more thorough and leisurely execution that adheres to all procedural standards.
Background and Timing of the Road Work
Sources indicate that the road construction project was sanctioned during the last financial year, with a work order issued just before the implementation of the model code of conduct. This timing has further fueled residents' concerns, as they perceive the hasty execution as potentially politically motivated rather than focused on quality infrastructure development. The community's collective demand is clear: they want the Trichy Corporation to ensure that all necessary procedural processes, including proper milling, are strictly followed to guarantee the construction of durable and safe roads for the Cantonment area.
