Nagpur: Large number of villagers from Chakkikhapa near Nagpur, led by activist Vivek Sisodia, have come out in open to protest against the management of ‘Bhonsala Military School’ as they have alleged that the latter has been deliberately creating hurdles in smooth construction of Outer Ring Road project around their village.
What has the made the matter serious is that in between the conflict, the trucks and other transportation vehicles involved in the construction prolong to pass through the play ground of the school in which students play. This, without a question, is a serious risk to the safety of the students which is being neglected in the whole issue.
The contract for the construction of the Outer Ring Road has been given to ‘M.E.P.E.’ which was directed by the school authorities to halt construction of the road till 31st of January, 2017. According to the allegations made by Sisodia, the school had acquired the land illegally and built a playground on it.
Now, the school management is reluctant to vacate the stretch on which the road has to be constructed to avail maximum amount of the land possible. This has badly hampered the works. Sisodia also alleged that the officers of National Highways Authority of India, assigned to deal with the case, appear to be biased towards the school. The construction of the underpass to be constructed in the area, too, was held by the school administration till 10th of May. Before the same was to be constructed, the villagers demanded to align the ‘centre line’ as per the map issued for construction.
On May 25 this year, NHAI officials also inspected the site where the villagers had complained that the construction of road was being aligned in different direction. It was assured to the villagers that a just action would be taken in eight days. Nonetheless, nothing has been done till now to resolve the issue.
When the officers were contacted it was claimed that the construction work has been postponed due to monsoon. On the contrary, when the site was visited, the construction work was going in full flash. The assertions also claim that the authorities are not only inclined towards the school but also a layout owner; ‘Basera’. The company has sold several plots in the area. Now, if the authorities try to save the plots, on one of which, a house has also been constructed, the alignment of the road will have to be diverted. As a consequence of same, land of villagers might get involved in the construction posing a threat to their possessions.
