Abhishek & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, August 5: Alleging prolonged administrative delays in executing sanctioned development works and addressing long-pending public issues, Mr.Balamurgan, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Parnasala has warned that he will stage a dharna near the office of the Chief Secretary if immediate steps are not taken to start the pending projects in his Panchayat.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, the Pradhan said he entered public life with the sole objective of serving the people and ensuring development in his Panchayat. However, with only a few months remaining in his tenure, he is disappointed that several important projects have remained stalled despite receiving administrative approvals.
“I did not become Pradhan to sit in the office. I became Pradhan to work for the people. If these pending works are not started soon, I will stage a peaceful dharna near the Chief Secretary’s office. Even if I have to sit there alone, I will do so for the welfare of the people,” he said.
The Pradhan alleged that several civil works have already been sanctioned, work orders have been issued and contractors have been selected, but the projects are yet to commence. According to him, the pending works include the construction of public toilet blocks, a community sanitation facility and a CC footpath leading to the Christian cemetery in Ward No. 4 at Rampur.
He claimed that despite repeated follow-ups, the projects have remained on paper for months. According to him, contractors have informed him that they have not received the necessary clearance from the concerned officials to begin work. He further alleged that repeated attempts to contact the concerned officials have yielded little response.
Expressing frustration over the situation, the Pradhan said administrative delays are preventing elected Panchayat representatives from fulfilling the promises made to the people. He remarked that if sanctioned projects are not implemented within the tenure of elected representatives, public confidence in the Panchayati Raj system is affected.
Apart from the pending civil works, the Pradhan also highlighted the urgent need for strengthening agricultural infrastructure in the region. He said a large number of farmers in the Panchayat depend on vegetable cultivation and paddy farming for their livelihood but continue to face difficulties due to inadequate irrigation facilities.
He said he has been demanding the construction of a major dam in the region since 2001 and has submitted detailed proposals to various departments of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. According to him, the proposed dam, along with a network of check dams and retaining walls, would help conserve rainwater by connecting rivers and natural streams in the area.
The Pradhan said the project would not only provide irrigation support to farmers but would also help address water shortages during the dry season. He added that increased agricultural production would bring down vegetable prices in local markets, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
He further appealed to the Administration to provide a tractor to the Panchayat to support agricultural activities. According to him, mechanised farming equipment is essential for improving productivity and reducing the burden on farmers engaged in cultivation.
The Pradhan said he has submitted several representations regarding these issues over the years but has seen little progress. He maintained that his proposed protest is not driven by politics but by his commitment to ensuring development for the people of his Panchayat.
