Upper House of the Legislative Assembly witnessed some angry exchanges among the law makers about inordinate delay in completing the construction of Ganpat Bridge over Chenab in Doda. After investing considerable amount in laying the foundation and raising the pillars of this bridge long back, further work on the construction came to a halt owing to financial stringency and litigation. Some members think that a huge amount has been wasted on a wrong project whose planning is a subject of controversy and dispute. Abandoning the construction has been attributed to corruption also. The House was told by angry members that the contract for the construction of the bridge was given to a blue eyed contractor by way of favour and all norms of biding for the contract were ignored. The contractor being an influential person managed to obtain bank loan even without a guarantee. Members wanted to know why the work on the project was suspended and how funds were embezzled. They further wanted to know whether the episode about the unfinished task of constructing the bridge was a result of favouritism and nepotism on the part of some higher ranking functionaries.
The almost abandoned Ganpat Bridge has raised many doubts about the efficiency of the Government Department. Political motives are also attributed to the delaying of its construction. Without going into those superfluities, it has to be stressed upon the authorities that development of the State cannot and should not be held hostage to mutual rivalries and personal vendetta among the ministers or political heavyweights. People cannot be left to suffer the hardship for indefinite period of time.
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