Most of the rural roads in Sankarankovil sub-division of Department of Highways are in the worst shape due to poor quality.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Seeking comprehensive probe into the quality of roads laid in Sankarankovil sub-division and the awarding of contracts, complaints have been forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Special Cell by the ruling DMK’s ally, the CPI.
Most of the roads in Sankarankovil sub-division of Department of Highways are in the worst shape due to the ‘poor quality’ of laying, says M. Gurusamy, former Sankarankovil taluk secretary of CPI and social activist, who has drawn the attention of the Chief Minister’s Office, Department of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption and other offices of Department of Highways with his complaints detailing the condition of damaged roads with photos and videos.
“Most of the roads laid in Sankarankovil sub-division do not last long due to poor quality. Since the contractor do not follow the stipulated conditions of Department of Highways and the officials here fail to monitor to ensure if the contractor is fulfilling the conditions while laying the road, most of the stretches don’t withstand even one downpour. Even though I have submitted several complaints with the officials concerned over the years, nothing has improved, thanks to the indifferent attitude of the official machinery,” Mr. Gurusamy says.
The CPI functionary says that the Sankarankovil to Ilavankulam, Veppankulam and Kuruvikulam Roads stand testimony to his ‘poor quality’ complaints.
Mr. Gurusamy says that one particular contractor has been ‘blue eyed boy’ of the Department of Highways in Tenkasi district, especially in Sankarankovil area even though the roads laid by him were in shambles within the stipulated period of 5 years.
“So, we demand a comprehensive probe into the irregularities in awarding of contracts and the quality of roads laid in Sankarankovil Sub-Division should be ordered,” Mr. Gurusamy said.
Assistant Divisional Engineer, Sankarankovil, Arivezhil stoutly refuted the complaints of Mr. Gurusamy.
“We have three contractors who are now executing seven works in Sankarankovil Division and hence we do not show any favouritism to any particular contractor. The contractors have to ensure stipulated quality of the roads as we have got 3-tier checking after the roads are laid. If a road gets damaged before the stipulated period of 5 years, the contractor is responsible for either repairing or re-laying the damaged road which would cause huge expenditure to the contractor concerned. Hence, no one will be ready to indulge in such a gross violation of norms,” Ms. Arivezhil said adding that the officials were constantly monitoring the laying of roads and ensuring the quality.
Published – December 19, 2025 08:37 pm IST
