John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
PortBlair, Sept 10: Distraught over the deplorable state of the roads, residents of Bakultala region of Middle Andaman, alongside PRI members, have issued a stern warning to local authorities and administration. They demand immediate action and resolution to their long-standing problems.
According to the villagers, NH-4, stretching from Bakultala to the Rangat Bridge, is in a dire condition, causing immense inconvenience to the general public for the past four years. Despite several requests submitted by the Gram Panchayat of Bakultala to address the issue and complete the roadwork, their appeals have been largely ignored. Authorities have cited various problems and adverse conditions as reasons for not being able to commence the work.
PRI members representing Bakultala villagers have previously requested the NHIDCL to initiate road repairs. They’ve set a deadline for the 13th of September 2013. If their demands aren’t met by then, they, along with auto and jeep drivers and school students, have decided to stage protests and enact an ‘ATR Chakka Jam’ to express their dissatisfaction with the poor condition of the ATR road.
Mr. Narayan Pradhan, representing the Gram Panchayat Bakultala, conveyed the gravity of the situation to the Andaman Sheekha Daily. He remarked on how the rain floods the roads and, during the summer, the entire area is enveloped in dust, making daily tasks a challenge for the villagers. The poor road conditions, marked by large potholes, have led to several accidents due to slippery surfaces. “Residents have raised complaints with us numerous times. We have reached out to authorities multiple times, but our grievances continue to fall on deaf ears,” said Pradhan.
