Anantnag: A continued ‘tug of war’ between a contractor and the Power Development Department (PDP) has put the project for improved electric supply in Anantnag town in doldrums.
The department had started installing new electricity poles, transformers and insulated cables in Anantnag town way back and the project was to be completed by March 2021. However, the process was sluggish and has been totally abandoned now, say the locals.
When contacted, an official of the PDD said that the contractor is to be blamed for the delayed work.
“The deadline for the completion of the project was 31st of March, 2021. Although infrastructure worth crores of rupees has been installed, yet the project is not complete which would make it functional,” said the official who insisted on not being named.
When ‘Kashmir Images’ contacted the concerned contractor, he said that the department has not released the promised advance of Rs 13.0 lakh which was supposed to be released in May 2021.
But the PDD official said that there was no such agreement with the contractor. “Whole amount shall be released only after the completion of work,” he added.
Amid this blame-game between the officials and the contractor, it is the common people who are suffering.
