BATHINDA: Residents of Kotbhara and Ramgarh Bhundar villages in Bathinda district have alleged that substandard material was used in the construction of a newly laid road connecting the two villages.The villagers claimed that the quality of the road is so poor that portions of its surface are peeling off and breaking apart at several spots. To demonstrate their complaint, residents reportedly peeled off sections of the newly laid surface with their bare hands.

The residents said they have brought the matter to the notice of the authorities and demanded that the quality of the roadwork be checked and appropriate action taken against those responsible.The allegations come shortly after Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann told the state assembly that road construction is generally not undertaken during late July and August because of heavy monsoon rains in the region.Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they would look into the allegations and take appropriate action based on their findings.