Chikkaballapur: This road in Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district stands as a testament to how public tax money is literally being flushed down the drain. Constructed under the Chief Minister’s special grants, the road has started peeling off within just a month, sparking massive outrage among the locals.

Road or a Crisp Papad?

The road work on the Iduguru-Gandhinagar route in Gauribidanur taluk has now become an object of both ridicule and anger. The asphalt is so substandard that residents can peel it off with their bare hands, much like a 'Rotti' or a 'Sandige' (papad). "Is this a road or a crisp papad?" questioned the villagers, confronting the Engineering Department.

Zero Quality Despite Spending Crores

A staggering ₹1.5 crore was spent on this 3-kilometer stretch of road. However, barely a month after completion, the "skeleton" of the road has been exposed. Locals have directly alleged that this poor workmanship is the result of a 'shady deal' between the officials of the Panchayat Raj Engineering Department and the contractors.

Outrage Against MLA Puttaswamy Gowda

Angered by the pathetic condition of the road, the villagers have turned against the local MLA, Puttaswamy Gowda. They lashed out, claiming that this corruption occurred due to a nexus between officials and the contractor.

Demands of the Villagers:

The contractor responsible for the substandard work must be blacklisted immediately.

Stringent legal action should be taken against the erring officials. A comprehensive investigation must be launched, and a high-quality road should be reconstructed at the earliest.

The looting of crores of rupees in the name of development has become a hot topic of debate in the district. It remains to be seen whether higher authorities will intervene and take necessary action.