Itanagar: In Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district, the villagers of Peki Modi have voiced strong opposition to the ongoing road construction from the main PWD road to their village, alleging serious irregularities and damage to critical infrastructure. The concerns, raised by the All Milang Welfare Society's vigilance committee, have been formally submitted to the Chief Engineer (Central Zone-B) of the Public Works Department. Following a joint field inspection with village elders, Panchayati Raj representatives, and members of the Millang community, the committee accused the executing agency and the department of deviating from the sanctioned route. They claimed that the realignment between Tati and Sipi Korong has resulted in steep gradients that make the road unsafe and impractical for vehicles. The villagers also expressed frustration over repeated complaints to the Mariyang PWD Division being ignored. Amid the roadwork, the Sipi Nallah irrigation canal—constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana during 2022–23—has reportedly been damaged over a nearly one-kilometre stretch. Built to support the farmlands of Kurung-Marte, Hala-Roga, and Sigiang-Bayang, the canal was funded by central grants amounting to crores. Villagers warned that the damage threatens the livelihoods of local farmers dependent on the irrigation network. Adding to the turmoil, the residents said the construction has disrupted the existing porter track used daily by locals, cutting off essential access to the village. With no alternative route provided, movement in and out of Peki Modi has become a daily struggle, deepening the villagers’ sense of neglect. Officials from the PWD division in Mariyang have denied any major deviations, asserting that the road is being built strictly according to the Detailed Project Report under the EPC model. A departmental spokesperson acknowledged minor damage to the canal but described it as a routine consequence in large-scale infrastructure works. Despite official assurances, tensions remain high in Peki Modi, where residents continue to demand immediate corrective action to ensure the safety, connectivity, and well-being of the community.
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