Kevadia Colony: – The construction of a long-awaited paved road in Junaraj village, which began after 75 years of independence, has been abruptly halted following an RTI (Right to Information) query filed by an individual from Naswadi. This has led to widespread discontent among villagers and sparked a debate about the misuse of the RTI Act.

The road project, spanning 14 kilometers through a forested area, was sanctioned by the government with a budget of ₹22 crore for the benefit of the local population. However, an RTI activist from Naswadi, with the alleged support of an associate from Nandod, raised objections, leading to a halt in the construction.

Villagers Face Hardships

The suspension of the roadwork has forced villagers to rely on boats for transportation, raising concerns that Junaraj will become completely isolated during the monsoon season. Locals fear that the delay will severely impact their daily lives and access to essential services.

Political Intervention and Allegations

Member of Parliament Mansukh Vasava has strongly criticized the obstruction, alleging that certain RTI activists are misusing the law for personal gain. He raised the issue during a DISHA (District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee) meeting, where he and other legislators voiced their concerns.

Vasava stated, “The groundbreaking for this road was recently conducted, but an RTI activist from Naswadi, with the help of an associate from Nandod, has wrongly demanded an investigation. Some forest officials have also been misled.” He accused certain activists of using the RTI Act to extort money and hinder development projects.

He further added, “These individuals are causing obstacles in government development works, leading to resentment among poor tribal communities. I will personally meet the Chief Minister to discuss how to prevent the misuse of good laws.”

Demand for Action

Villagers are demanding the immediate resumption of the road construction. They also seek action against those who are allegedly misusing the RTI Act. “The stalled roadwork should be completed swiftly to alleviate our transportation problems,” said a local resident. “We also want the government to take action against those who misuse this good law.”

Community Concerns

The villagers of Junaraj, who have been waiting for a paved road for decades, are hopeful that the stalled project will resume soon. They express frustration over the delays caused by what they perceive as the misuse of the RTI Act.

Current Situation

The road construction remains suspended following the RTI query. The DISHA committee has discussed the issue, and efforts are underway to resolve the matter and resume the project. The incident has highlighted the ongoing debate about the balance between transparency and development, and the potential for misuse of the RTI Act.