Editor,
A viral video from Naharlagun has sparked public outrage and serious safety concerns. The footage shows a man rubbing a stick against a newly constructed flyover pillar – and the cement crumbles away with ease. This raises alarming doubts about construction quality and public safety.
On 5 August, the inspection committee, chaired by the Itanagar ADC, inspected 12 piers (out of 18) of NH 415 Package-B from Papu Nallah to Model Village. Shockingly, rebound hammer tests on video showed readings as low as 41, 42, 43, and 46, yet the official report records inflated values of around 50. Is this manipulation of test results? Or is the testing machine faulty?
The inspection also revealed concerns over improper curing, exposed TMT bars, and the use of sub-standard 43-grade cement. Rainwater was apparently considered adequate for curing – a claim that defies basic engineering practice.
Nirjuli Electrical Division EE Taying Janu, who is also a member of the inspection committee, remarked on the possible use of sub-standard materials. In some locations, circular reinforcement TMT rebars were not even hooked but merely tied with binding wire before casting – a grave structural risk.
On 14 July, the Naharlagun Bazaar Welfare Society, led by Kipa Nai and Tadar Nania, also inspected the site and found that exposed reinforcement had been hastily covered with cement to hide defects. Such actions are unethical, unsafe, and deceptive to the public.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently stated – based on the chief engineer (highways) report – that the work is technically sound and follows the SOP. However, the rebound hammer test results from 05/08/2025 must be made public. If the design grade was M50, the readings fall short of the required strength, and further core or ultrasonic testing is urgently needed.
Public safety cannot be compromised for profit or convenience. If this flyover fails in the future, who will take responsibility for the loss of lives? We cannot allow corruption and poor workmanship to endanger the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
I urge the authorities to conduct a transparent, independent investigation, make all test results public, and hold both the executing agency and the responsible officials accountable.
Quality should never be compromised – not in the 21st century, not when lives are at stake.
A concerned citizen