Two Years On, Kaziranga’s Rs 3.5 Lakh Culvert Lies in Ruins

Barely two years after its construction, a culvert built at a cost of Rs 3.5 lakh in Halowa NC under the Paschim Kaziranga Gaon Panchayat has been washed away by floodwaters, triggering public outrage and fresh allegations of corruption and substandard construction.

The culvert, constructed in 2020 under the 14th Finance Commission (2017–18) allocation, was meant to serve several villages in the region. It formed a crucial connection for daily movement, particularly during the monsoons when surrounding areas remain cut off. However, in a stunning failure of infrastructure and accountability, a portion of the structure collapsed recently after heavy rainfall caused flooding in the area. The guard wall cracked and gave way, unable to withstand the water's pressure — a clear indicator of poor engineering and substandard material use.

Local residents, along with political and social organisations, have come out strongly against the Paschim Kaziranga Gaon Panchayat authorities, especially targeting the construction quality in Ward No. 8 where the culvert was built. Community members allege that the project was marred by blatant irregularities and financial misconduct, with the Panchayat representatives directly implicated in misappropriation of funds.

Residents claim that despite repeated warnings during and after construction about the poor quality of materials and the shoddy workmanship, officials paid no heed. Now, as floodwaters wreak havoc, the consequences of that negligence have come home to roost.

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