Newly macadamised roads in Anantnag deteriorate within months
Locals allege sub-standard work, seek action
Anantnag: Barely a few months after their completion, several newly macadamised roads in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district have started to show visible signs of damage, sparking anger among residents who say their repeated warnings were ignored.
Fresh visuals from Mattan and Aishmuqam localities reveal stretches of road where the top layer has peeled off, leaving behind worn-out patches. The premature deterioration has raised serious questions about the quality of material used and the monitoring mechanism in place.
Local residents said they had raised concerns during the blacktopping process, alleging the use of sub-standard material, but no one paid heed.
“We had clearly told the officials that the material being laid didn’t look up to the mark. Today the road has proved us right,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Mattan.
Another local from Aishmuqam expressed frustration at what he called “an eyewash exercise.”
Public money is being wasted. A road that should last years has failed in a few months. Who is accountable for this?” asked Mushtaq Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Aishmuqam.
Residents said the matter had even been taken to court, seeking intervention to ensure transparency and long-lasting work.
People in both areas have demanded an inquiry into the quality of work and strict action against contractors or officials found responsible for compromising standards.
They stressed that macadamisation carried out with public funds must withstand at least several years, not collapse in a single season.
Officials from the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, when contacted, acknowledged the damage but clarified that the Aishmuqam-Mattan road falls under the Defect Liability Period (DLP).
According to them, the contractor is bound by agreement to maintain the road for three years.
“The road is covered under DLP. All damaged patches will be repaired next year as per the contract conditions,” an R&B official said, assuring residents that corrective measures will be taken.
