Chandigarh, April 24 -- The non-availability of gravel is proving to be an impediment to the construction of rural roads, contractors highlighted during an open forum organised by Punjab state agricultural marketing board (Mandi Board) here on Wednesday.

As part of the Badalda Punjab Budget, the state government has allocated Rs.3,500 crores for strengthening 1,900 kilometres of rural roads. The contractors had been invited for discussions after they cried foul over the state government's decision of fixing contractors' responsibility to maintain roads for five years.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann and cabinet ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Harbhajan Singh ETO were also present at the forum.

Contractor Kulwinder Singh Sembhy ...