Rampath sinks and roads flooded, prompting immediate government action
Team Clarion
AYODHYA – The first rains of the season have exposed significant flaws in Ayodhya’s infrastructure, particularly in the newly constructed Rampath leading to the Ram Temple. Large potholes and submerged streets were seen in various parts of the city, leading to swift action from the Uttar Pradesh government.
In response to the situation, six officers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam have been suspended for gross negligence. The suspended officers include Executive Engineer Dhruv Agarwal, Assistant Engineer Anuj Deshwal, and Junior Engineer Prabhat Kumar Pandey. Orders for their suspension were issued by Special Secretary Vinod Kumar and PWD Chief Engineer (Development) VK Shrivastava.
The 14-km-long Rampath, facilitating access to the Ram Temple, showed significant structural failures, with parts of the road sinking and forming of large potholes. The heavy rains also caused extensive flooding in approximately 15 streets and roads along the Rampath, with rainwater entering homes in the area.
“The newly constructed Rampath has sunk at more than a dozen places,” a local resident reported. “The waterlogged streets have made it difficult for us to go about our daily activities.”
In light of the severe infrastructural issues, the Uttar Pradesh government has directed officials to reassess the construction works. The government has also issued a notice to the Ahmedabad-based company Bhavon Infracom Pvt Ltd, responsible for the construction.
Taking immediate action, Ayodhya Commissioner and District Magistrate reviewed the city’s condition, instructing concerned officers to implement precautionary measures to prevent further damage. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of the residents. Strict measures will be taken against those responsible for this negligence,” stated a government official.
The swift suspensions and reassessment orders reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the shortcomings in the city’s infrastructure and holding those accountable for the poor construction quality. The situation underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and quality control in public infrastructure projects, especially in a city of such cultural and Hindu religious significance as Ayodhya.