Kolkata, Sept. 8 -- The residents of Salt Lake might witness crater-free roads as a large amount of money from the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs (UD &MA) department has been sanctioned for a thorough repair of damaged streets.

While some of the repair work has already been started, several work orders have been given against which the work is likely to commence in a couple of days. Though the Commissioner of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Ravi Agarwal, was approached for his comments on the present situation and actions taken so far, he refused to give any statement, citing a government order barring the officials from commenting before the media.

According to a large number of residents of Salt Lake, for more than six years, they have not witnessed crater-free streets. Despite patch works being done numerous times, the repair work did not last for a month on each occasion.

The residents alleged that the previously elected board failed to carry out the repair work, citing non-availability of funds. Sources informed that despite some funds being arranged by the erstwhile board, the primary contractors reportedly refused to work due to pending payment for the work done earlier.

According to sources, since last week of July about Rs 51.39 crore has been sanctioned for the repair of roads. Though several more Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are still pending with the UD & MA department, officials expect those to get sanctioned very soon.

However, based on the sanctioned money, BMC officials have already issued multiple work orders and thorough repair work on a few stretches is nearly completed. Apart from these, several tenders are still active for getting quotes as well.

The officials are targeting to complete the major stretches by the Durga Puja days. However, it depends, as on multiple occasions the plans were changed despite being prepared to start repair work owing to the sudden change in weather. As per the plan, if weather conditions do not improve, the roads will be made usable as of now. After the puja days, thorough repair will be completed.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.