RAIPUR: The Smart City Project in Raipur suffered a major setback as a significant portion of the road adjoining the historical Budha Talab, the oldest lake in the state capital, caved in just two days ago. The road had recently undergone a massive overhaul, involving an estimated expense of crores of rupees. The collapse has raised serious concerns, especially regarding the safety of commuters and vehicles using this route.
Eyewitnesses reported that the road cave-in occurred two days before Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's Yuva Samvad programme, held as part of the 'Bhent – Mulaqat' initiative, at the impressive Indoor Stadium located just opposite the lake and about 100 meters away from the damaged road on Sunday. Shockingly, despite the presence of senior bureaucrats, ministers, and other elected public representatives at the event, the precarious condition of the road went unnoticed.
Budha Talab, being the largest lake in the city with significant cultural and tourism importance, attracts a considerable number of tourists regularly. A roadside vendor near the collapsed site informed TOI that the incident occurred after a heavy downpour two days ago, and since then she has been witnessing people visiting the site to take photos and videos.
Authorities revealed that an estimated Rs 18 crore has been invested in the renovation project so far.
Expressing his discontent over the incident, Mayor Aijaz Dhebar stated, "This incident is a glaring example of negligence and poor construction. We cannot compromise on the safety of our citizens. I have ordered a thorough investigation into the matter and immediate action against the contractor responsible for this appalling mishap. I have also directed to serve notices on the officers responsible and blacklist the contractor with immediate effect."
As a precautionary measure, the Municipal Corporation has placed barricades around the collapsed area. However, experts have advised people to avoid using the footpath and avoid approaching the vicinity.
In response to the incident, the Mayor has directed officials associated with Raipur Smart City Limited to blacklist the concerned contractors, making them ineligible for future projects. Additionally, a notice has been issued to the engineer overseeing the construction, demanding an explanation for the lack of due diligence.
"We will ensure that the footpath is rebuilt with the highest standards of safety and quality," the Mayor assured.
Citizens are urged to exercise caution in the Old Lake area, and repair work is set to commence promptly to restore the footpath and prevent any further risks.
