Tensions escalated in Kailashahar Municipal Council area on Sunday as local residents stopped ongoing drain construction work in Ward No. 8, near the police station, alleging poor quality, irregularities and excessive delays in a project being implemented by the Urban Development Department with funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Residents alleged that despite the project involving substantial public expenditure, construction work was not being carried out according to the required standards. In several places, excavated soil and stones have reportedly been left along the roadside, while construction materials have occupied large portions of the road for prolonged periods.

According to locals, the situation has narrowed the carriageway, disrupted traffic movement and frequently caused congestion in the area.

Residents of Ward No. 8 also raised questions over the quality of materials being used in the construction of the drains. They alleged that construction has not been properly executed at several locations and that portions of the project have remained incomplete for a long time.

With the monsoon underway, residents expressed concern that incomplete construction and waterlogging could increase the risk of accidents and create further inconvenience for pedestrians and motorists.

Locals claimed that they had repeatedly informed the concerned authorities about the problems, but no effective action was taken. They said they were eventually compelled to stop the construction work themselves to draw attention to their grievances.

Meanwhile, social worker Samir Purkayastha has also raised questions over the ongoing drain-cum-footpath construction across the municipal council area. He has reportedly submitted a written complaint to the Director of the Urban Development Department, seeking scrutiny of the project, fund allocation, agency responsible for execution and the quality of construction.

Residents have demanded an impartial inquiry into the allegations, quality testing of the construction work and appropriate action against those found responsible. They have also urged the authorities to ensure that the prescribed standards are maintained and that the project is completed at the earliest to end the public inconvenience.

The concerned department and the construction agency have not yet issued any statement regarding the allegations.