BJP Leader Says Work Already Underway with Crores Sanctioned; Congress Playing Drama for Publicity
Almora: BJP leader and former minister of state Bittu Karnatak has termed the Congress party’s plan to gherao (protest at) the District Magistrate’s office on May 22 over the Kwarab Danger Zone as “laughable and theatrical.” He said that with crores of rupees already sanctioned and work having begun, the Congress’ protest is nothing more than a publicity stunt.
Karnatak stated that Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, personally inspected the danger zone multiple times and involved expert agencies like THDC for a detailed geo-technical survey. Based on their assessment, the central government sanctioned Rs 17.14 crore, and work was awarded to AECS Engineering & Geotech Services Pvt. Ltd., starting from February 17, 2025. Currently, protective work is in progress on the valley side, with a 50% physical completion target set for June.
Additionally, Rs 51.37 crore has been sanctioned for hill-side treatment, with the tender process completed. Choudhary Construction Company has been selected as the lowest bidder, and formal work orders are expected soon. A 3 km alternative road has also been proposed at a cost of Rs 10.65 crore, for which approval is awaited. In the meantime, the previously constructed Doba-Chaushali road will be used during monsoon as an alternate route.
The BJP leader accused Congress of seeking credit for the central government’s efforts and misleading the public. He questioned how many formal requests or memoranda Congress MLAs had submitted to the concerned ministry. He likened their protest to a “street drama” aimed at fooling people.
Karnatak further said the Congress is trying to revive its declining leadership by calling in senior leaders for the protest, attempting to shine politically for a day. He sarcastically remarked that this protest will only remind the public of a street performer with a drum, trying to gather attention with empty theatrics.
He concluded by saying that the people of Almora are well aware that the work has genuinely started and Congress is only trying to capitalize on it for political mileage. “This protest will only portray Congress as a dramatic party in the eyes of the public,” he said.
