Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Srinagar, June 24: Opposition PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Wednesday expressed concern over the slow pace of development works in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly road infrastructure projects, despite substantial budget allocations.
In a post on X, Para said thousands of crores of rupees had been allocated to the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, but the situation on the ground remained alarming.
“Nearly half the working season has passed, but not a single road has been taken up for macadamisation or blacktopping,” he said.
The Pulwama legislator alleged that while project announcements continue and tenders are being issued, there has been little to no execution on the ground.
“Announcements continue, tenders are issued, but execution is nowhere to be seen. Projects remain stuck on paper while contractors are protesting due to rate contracts, long-pending payments and unpaid liabilities,” Para said.
He further noted that despite significant increases in the cost of construction materials, fuel and labour, contract rates have not been revised accordingly.
Para also claimed that “unnecessary police verification requirements” were contributing to delays in project execution. He added that the absence of a transparent mechanism for identifying mining sources and assessing royalties has created additional uncertainty for contractors.
“Contractors are being asked to work at unsustainable rates even as their dues remain unpaid,” he said.
The PDP leader expressed disappointment that these issues were not discussed during the recent meeting of the Council of Ministers.
“These critical issues were not addressed in the recent Cabinet meeting. Every day of delay means worsening roads, wasted public funds and lost development opportunities,” Para said.
