Opposition PDP leader Waheed Para has expressed concern over the slow pace of development work in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that despite thousands of crores being allocated to the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, progress on the ground remains unsatisfactory.
In a post on X, Para said that nearly half of the working season has already passed, but not a single road project has begun for macadamisation or blacktopping. He alleged that while announcements are made and tenders are issued, actual execution is missing.
He further claimed that contractors are facing serious difficulties due to delayed payments, long-pending liabilities, and non-revised rate contracts despite rising costs of materials, fuel, and labour. Para also pointed out issues such as unnecessary police verification requirements and lack of a transparent system for mining source identification and royalty assessment, which he said are causing further delays.
The PDP leader added that contractors are being forced to work at unsustainable rates while their dues remain unpaid. He also expressed concern that these issues were not addressed in the recent Cabinet meeting, stating that continued delays are worsening road conditions and leading to loss of public funds and development opportunities.
