United People's Forum Demands ACB Probe into Dari-Chambang Road Project

Itanagar, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 14 Jul: The United People’s Forum (UAPF) has demanded an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation into alleged irregularities in the construction of the Dari-Chambang road in Kra-Daadi district. The forum also reiterated its opposition to the installation of smart electricity meters and announced a mega rally on August 8 to press the state government to act on its three-point memorandum.

During a press conference at the Press Club, UAPF president Khyoda Daniel stated that the forum had previously submitted its three-point memorandum to the state government and sent two delegations seeking action. However, he alleged that the government has not responded despite the expiration of the ultimatum issued by the forum. This lack of action has raised concerns among local residents about the accountability and efficiency of the government in handling public infrastructure projects.

The Dari-Chambang road project, which is crucial for connectivity in the region, has come under scrutiny following an inspection conducted by the UAPF. Daniel mentioned that the UAPF conducted a spot verification of the road on July 8, notifying the media, local organizations, and authorities in advance. This proactive approach was intended to ensure transparency and allow stakeholders to witness the condition of the road firsthand. He noted that officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), district authorities, and public representatives were invited to ensure transparency during the inspection.

However, Daniel alleged that no PWD officials, including the executive engineer, assistant engineer, or junior engineer, attended the inspection. He claimed that no district official or local public representative was present, despite prior notification. The absence of departmental officials hindered the public's ability to verify the road's condition and address any doubts on the spot. This situation has led to further skepticism regarding the integrity of the project and the oversight mechanisms in place.

Sharing the forum’s observations, Daniel alleged that the project suffers from significant technical deficiencies. He claimed that several sections lack proper drainage, plastering, and bracing works, while the water-bound macadam (WBM) layers have not been executed according to engineering specifications. He also alleged that certain stretches measured only about 2.7 meters in width, which is inadequate for a road serving as the lifeline of the Chambang area. Such deficiencies not only compromise the safety and usability of the road but also raise questions about the quality of work being carried out and the standards adhered to by the contractors involved.

Calling for immediate action, Daniel urged the state government, Home Minister Mama Natung, the ACB, and other investigating agencies to inquire into the project and take legal action against officials responsible for supervising the work, approving bills, and releasing payments if any irregularities are established. He further demanded that the executing agency, M/s BM Balomook Enterprise, be blacklisted. According to Daniel, terminating the contract alone would not suffice if public funds have been misused. He urged the government to recover any money found to have been wrongly utilized and use it for reconstructing the road according to the prescribed standards. He warned that if no action is initiated, the forum would intensify its agitation through democratic means, indicating a potential escalation in public protests and community mobilization efforts.

In response to criticism regarding the repeated mention of Cabinet Minister and local MLA Balo Raja, Daniel clarified that the forum was referring to him in his capacity as the elected representative of the constituency, not due to personal differences. He questioned why the department had not publicly clarified the allegations or initiated action if, according to the government, no irregularities had occurred. This statement underscores the forum's demand for transparency and accountability from elected officials and government agencies.

Daniel also made allegations regarding certain renewable energy projects, claiming that while Balo Raja was serving as power adviser, power project tenders were awarded at inflated costs. He cited findings from reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and other Government of India documents, alleging that a project initially estimated at around Rs 213.74 crore was revised with an additional Rs 163 crore, raising the total project cost to approximately Rs 376.77 crore. He further alleged that around Rs 51.66 crore had been paid without corresponding work and demanded that the government investigate the matter, recover any public funds found to have been misused, and deposit them back into the government treasury. These allegations, if proven true, could have significant implications for the credibility of the local government and its ability to manage public resources effectively.

Daniel emphasized that corruption affects development and deprives citizens of quality infrastructure. He urged people from all communities to unite against corruption and support efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in public projects. This call to action highlights the broader societal implications of corruption, as it not only undermines trust in public institutions but also hampers economic development and the provision of essential services.

On the second point of the memorandum, UAPF general secretary Dango Mama reiterated the forum’s opposition to the installation of smart electricity meters in the state. He alleged that this move aims to pave the way for the privatization of electricity distribution through the public-private partnership (PPP) model and claimed that the proposal is nearing approval. The introduction of smart meters has been a contentious issue in many regions, as it often raises concerns about increased costs for consumers and the potential loss of public control over essential services.

Mama appealed to residents not to allow smart meters to be installed in their homes, alleging that electricity tariffs would rise sharply once the system becomes operational. He claimed that domestic consumers currently pay around Rs 4 per unit, while commercial consumers pay approximately Rs 5.10 per unit. He warned that the introduction of smart meters could increase tariffs to Rs 6, Rs 7, or even Rs 10 per unit. These projected increases in electricity costs could disproportionately affect low-income households, further exacerbating economic disparities in the region.

He further alleged that consumers would have little control over billing under the smart meter system and referred to a statement by the union power minister claiming that smart meter installation cannot be made mandatory or forced upon consumers. This statement reflects ongoing debates about consumer rights and the balance between modernization of infrastructure and the protection of public interests.

Reiterating the forum’s demands, Mama called for the complete withdrawal of the smart meter program and urged the government to provide 1,000 units of free electricity to every household. He argued that, since the state is rich in hydropower resources, its people should directly benefit from the electricity generated within the state. This demand highlights the potential for local resources to be harnessed for the benefit of the community, rather than being subjected to privatization efforts that may not serve the public interest.

In announcing the forum’s next course of action, Mama stated that the UAPF would organize a mega rally on August 8 in the capital to press for the implementation of its three-point memorandum. He appealed to residents from every district, colony, and sector of the state to participate in the rally and support the forum’s campaign. This mobilization effort is indicative of the growing public sentiment against perceived government inaction and corruption, and it serves as a platform for citizens to express their grievances and demand accountability from their elected representatives.