The city of Patiala in Punjab is facing scrutiny over the planning and execution of public works after its recently developed heritage street, constructed at a cost of Rs 43.63 crore, was dug up for further renovations. The project, completed just three years ago, has raised questions about the efficient utilization of public funds and the durability of infrastructure projects.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that a significant quantity of the expensive granite stones removed from the street has reportedly gone missing, triggering a formal investigation into the matter. The heritage street, which surrounds the historic Qila Mubarak, was a flagship project of the previous state government, encompassing granite stone flooring, lighting, beautification, and parking facilities. It was inaugurated in 2023.
The recent excavation involved the removal of the granite flooring to facilitate the installation of concrete flooring and new streetlights. The municipal corporation (MC) is currently undertaking this new phase of development, with an estimated expenditure of approximately Rs 95 lakh. This includes Rs 53.30 lakh allocated for the concrete flooring and Rs 42.13 lakh for the procurement and installation of new streetlights.
The disappearance of the granite stones has ignited serious concerns regarding the management of municipal materials. In response to the allegations, MC Commissioner Pooja Syal Grewal has formally requested an inventory and a detailed report from the civic body’s civil engineering wing. The mandated report is expected to provide a comprehensive account of the quantity of granite stones removed, the amount currently in stock, and their designated storage locations.
Officials have also been instructed to ensure the secure storage of any remaining granite stones. The Commissioner indicated that the recovered granite could potentially be repurposed for the beautification of municipal parks and other public spaces, thereby reducing the need for expenditure on similar upcoming projects and potentially recouping some of the initial investment.
Sources suggest that some of the granite stones were initially deposited at a vacant plot adjacent to the MC office. However, reports indicate that a portion of this material was allegedly misappropriated and transported in tractor-trolleys to unspecified locations, compounding the concerns about accountability and transparency in the handling of public assets.
Mayor Kundan Gogia emphasized the necessity for the civil engineering wing to precisely ascertain the exact quantity of stones removed and to ensure a thorough accounting of the material before any decisions are made regarding its subsequent utilization. He stressed that clarity on the quantum of material is paramount before exploring options for reuse or disposal.
Senior Deputy Mayor Harinder Kohli offered a perspective on the initial project, stating that the original laying of granite stones and pavements had suffered from inadequate planning. He pointed out that the resulting uneven surfaces created difficulties for vehicular movement and diminished available parking space, which consequently impacted local businesses. Kohli added that the current plan for renovation was initiated in response to persistent demands from traders in the area who had raised concerns about the functional aspects of the street.
Despite the stated reasons for the renovation, the ongoing works, coupled with the reported disappearance of valuable construction material, have cast a shadow over the efficacy of urban planning, the prudent management of public finances, and the overall longevity of civic infrastructure initiatives, especially given that the street was completed only three years prior.
The Chenab Times News Desk