Deputy CM Orders Suspension, Probe After Viral Video Exposes Poor Road Work in Rafiabad

The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Surinder Choudhary, has taken serious note of a viral video and widespread public concern regarding the premature deterioration of freshly macadamized road work on the Chijhama-Tragpora stretch in Rafiabad, District Baramulla.
Pursuant to this directive, the concerned Junior Engineer, Mr. Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, has been placed under suspension with immediate effect, vide Order No. CE/NK/Adm/57 of 2025 dated 12.07.2025, issued by the Office of the Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B), North Kashmir.

In addition, the executing contractor, M/S Rafiq Construction, has been served a formal notice vide Communication No. 1482-84 dated 12.07.2025 by the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division Rafiabad Watergam. The contractor has been directed to explain his position within three (03) days as to why action as warranted under the NIT conditions and relevant laws should not be initiated.
To ensure a fair and technical evaluation, samples of the laid macadam and the bituminous material (Tar) were collected in the presence of the contractor and have been sent to the Divisional Inspection and Quality Control (DIQC) laboratory for detailed analysis and quality assessment.
The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and uncompromising quality in public infrastructure. He emphasized that there will be zero tolerance for negligence and that every instance of substandard work will be met with strict administrative and legal action.
The Government encourages citizens to continue voicing concerns, as public participation remains a cornerstone of effective and responsible governance.