Allegations of Irregularities in ₹7 Million RCC Drain and PCC Road Project in Maner; Councillors Demand Investigation
Patna: Questions have been raised over the quality of a public infrastructure project in Maner Nagar Parishad, located on the outskirts of Patna. Alleged irregularities have surfaced in the construction of an RCC drain and PCC road being built from Basti Road Chowk to Mirachak Mor at an estimated cost of ₹7 million (₹70 lakh). Several councillors have accused the executing agency of failing to adhere to prescribed quality standards and technical specifications. They have submitted a formal complaint to the Executive Engineer, demanding an impartial investigation into the matter. The allegations have also sparked concern among local residents.
According to available information, the project was initiated by Maner Nagar Parishad to improve drainage facilities and strengthen road connectivity in the area. The RCC drain and PCC road were expected to provide a long-term solution to chronic waterlogging and poor road conditions that have affected residents for years. However, shortly after construction began, concerns regarding the quality of the work started to emerge.
The councillors have alleged that the construction is not being carried out in accordance with approved engineering standards. They claim that the quality of the materials being used appears to be substandard and that several portions of the project are not being executed as per the sanctioned design and technical specifications. According to them, if the matter is not investigated immediately, there is a possibility that the road and drainage system could develop cracks or suffer structural damage soon after completion.
In their written complaint to the Executive Engineer, the councillors have requested a detailed site inspection by an independent technical team. They have also demanded that if any irregularities are confirmed during the investigation, strict action should be taken against the contractor and any officials found responsible. They emphasized that no compromise should be made in projects funded with public money.
Local residents have also expressed concern about the alleged deficiencies in the ongoing construction. Many residents pointed out that substantial public funds have been spent on development projects in the area in the past, but poor-quality construction has often prevented people from receiving long-term benefits. They believe the authorities should closely monitor the current project from the beginning to ensure that taxpayers' money is utilized effectively.
Business owners and daily commuters have noted that the construction work has already disrupted traffic movement in the locality. They fear that if the quality of the project is compromised and repairs become necessary after completion, residents will have to endure prolonged inconvenience. Therefore, they argue that all technical inspections should be completed before the project is finalized.
Officials associated with the project have stated that the construction is being carried out according to approved standards. They said that if complaints have been received, the matter will be examined thoroughly. According to the officials, there will be no compromise on quality, and any shortcomings identified during the inspection will be rectified immediately.
The drainage problem has been a long-standing issue in several parts of Maner Nagar Parishad. During the monsoon season, Basti Road and nearby localities frequently experience severe waterlogging, causing hardship for residents and motorists. The RCC drainage project was launched primarily to address this issue, while the new PCC road was expected to improve transportation and connectivity. However, the recent allegations have placed the entire project under public scrutiny.
Infrastructure experts say maintaining quality standards in municipal development projects remains a significant challenge. They believe that regular technical inspections, timely testing of construction materials, and strict monitoring at every stage can help prevent such disputes. Experts also recommend greater transparency in public projects by making progress reports and inspection findings available to the public.
The issue has also attracted political attention. Opposition representatives have demanded complete transparency in the execution of the project and strict action if any wrongdoing is established. At the same time, local public representatives have clarified that their objective is not to target any individual but to ensure that development works financed by public funds are durable, high-quality, and beneficial to the community.
According to infrastructure specialists, projects such as roads and drainage systems directly affect the daily lives of citizens. Any compromise in construction quality not only leads to wastage of public funds but also causes long-term inconvenience for residents. They stress that accountability and technical supervision should remain integral parts of every stage of public infrastructure development.
Construction work at the site is currently continuing, while demands for an independent inquiry are gaining momentum following the councillors' complaint. Attention is now focused on how the concerned department responds to the allegations and whether the investigation confirms any irregularities. Residents hope that the inquiry will be fair and transparent and that the project will ultimately be completed in accordance with approved engineering standards, ensuring lasting benefits for the local community.
