Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR : The Consumer Rights Organisation (CRO), Arunachal Pradesh, has submitted a memorandum to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), raising concerns over the implementation of the Lada-Sarli section of National Highway-913, popularly known as the Frontier Highway Project.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Sunday, CRO State President Achu Bagang said the organisation fully supports the Government of India’s vision of strengthening connectivity and infrastructure in border areas and acknowledged the strategic importance of the Frontier Highway Project for socio-economic development, national security, tourism, employment generation and infrastructure growth in frontier regions.
However, Bagang alleged that issues relating to transparency, public participation and administrative accountability have surfaced during the execution of the project. He claimed that adequate public consultation and consensus-building had not been ensured and alleged that public grievances were not being effectively addressed, leading to growing dissatisfaction among local communities.
According to Bagang, the absence of transparent institutional dialogue and accountability mechanisms has contributed to public unrest in areas along the proposed highway corridor, particularly in the Lada-Sarli sector and adjoining regions.
A key concern highlighted in the memorandum relates to the ongoing tendering process. Bagang claimed that some contractors had reportedly submitted bids ranging between 35 and 49 per cent below the estimated project cost.
Referring to established engineering practices and Central Public Works Department norms, he said abnormally low bids could raise concerns regarding execution quality, contractor capability, financial viability and long-term accountability.
He further alleged that such bidding practices may compromise the durability, safety standards and sustainability of the strategically significant highway project. The lack of public clarification from the concerned authorities, he said, has fuelled suspicions of irregularities and possible corruption.
The organisation has sought urgent intervention from the Centre and urged the Ministry to establish transparent communication mechanisms involving local communities and stakeholders, conduct an independent inquiry into the alleged irregularities, review the feasibility of unusually low bids and strengthen monitoring and accountability measures.
The CRO also called for stakeholder consultations involving local representatives, affected citizens, civil society organisations and government agencies to restore public confidence and ensure smooth implementation of the project.
In its memorandum, the organisation reiterated its support for national development and strategic infrastructure expansion while emphasising the need to safeguard the rights, interests and aspirations of communities affected by the project.
Copies of the memorandum were submitted to the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Chief Secretary, the Public Works Department Commissioner, the Regional Officer of MoRTH, concerned Deputy Commissioners and other relevant authorities, Bagang informed.
