Ranchi: Harmu Housing Colony has become a settlement of masked dwellers. People wear masks outside and, sometimes, even inside homes. The scourge is dust. The culprit? Road construction work.

A kilometre-long stretch of Harmu Road in the area is being revamped, but the project that began in the first week of October and was expected to be over by November is still dragging its feet, apparently because of untimely bill clearance and irregular supply of raw materials.

To compound problems, the contractor hired by the municipal corporation is being stingy about using water to help the dust settle down, leaving residents gasping for fresh air. For those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the situation is all the more distressful.

Manju Devi, a homemaker, said she sought medical consultation after her cough wouldn't subside in over a week. "The doctor said I was inhaling too much of dust off late. I have been prescribed some anti-allergic pills and advised to keep my nose covered almost all the time," she added.

NGO worker Kunjan Kumar has a different grievance. "I had painted the exterior of my house during Diwali (in October), but the sheen is already gone. My house looks old and uncared for," he rued.

Rakesh Kumar, a businessman, said open spaces in the colony were being used to dump construction materials, which was further inconveniencing residents.

"The space near Sudha Milk booth has become a dumping yard. A dumper comes every night to offload raw materials, which are then carried to various sites in instalments by small trucks in the morning," Kumar complained.

Contractor Ram Singh, hired by RMC, blamed the weather. "Dust is a common problem during winter (when humidity is low). It is difficult to put a complete check on it despite efforts. We do spray water from time to time," he said.

Harmu Housing Colony falls under Ward 37. Local councillor Arun Kumar Jha said he hoped for succour by mid-December. "Road work should end in another 10 days. Once construction is over, the dust will settle down. In the meantime, I will ask the contractor to spray water daily," he said.

Executive engineer of RMC Uma Shanker Ram, on the other hand, said the problem would be resolved by New Year. "The construction project is expected to be over by January. People can then enjoy their walks on a new road," he said.

Is any project posing health hazards in your colony? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com