Port Blair, Oct 25: The ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker has demanded for immediate completion of repair and reconstruction of NH-4 road.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Mr. Bhasker shared his first-hand experience of travelling in NH-4 road from Port Blair to Diglipur by vehicle. He said that the road from Baratang to Aerial Bay
Jetty is in a very dilapidated state and not in a motorable condition.
He added that the road has been made without following the specifications of National Highway. In many places the width of the road is very small and no drainage has been provided for rain water to drain out.
“The materials used for NH-4 seems to be of very inferior quality and there was no proper supervision from the authorities. This has caused immense hardships to the residents of North & Middle Andaman. The students and teachers are not able to reach their schools and the patients are not able to travel to Port Blair by road”, stated Mr. Bhasker.
He further highlighted that the travel agents who were taking tourists to the North & Middle Andaman have stopped going. Hence all the hotels and allied industries like boats and tour guides are completely out of jobs, causing a very big cascading effect on the economy of North & Middle Andaman.
He criticized the NHIDCL for not taking any action even after spending more than 4,000 crores of rupees.
“The roads have not even come to a formation shape while the existing roads have also been completely demolished”, exhorted Mr. Bhasker
He emphasized that the NH-4 road is the lifeline for North & Middle Andaman not only for travel of people but also for the transport of goods. It has come to a stage where if immediate action is not taken then the North & Middle Andaman will be completely cut off from the rest of the Islands.
He further mentioned that the contractors are delaying the repair work of the road due to the unavailability of quarry materials which have been closed for the past one year. He requested the Lt. Governor to provide a special dispensation of quarry materials for the repair of NH-4 potholes.
He further requested for a technical assessment to be carried out by a competent group of engineers so that the road work can be done with sound technical specifications.
Mr. Bhasker also recommended a CBI enquiry in this whole matter to find out the level of corruption taken place.
“I request on behalf of the villagers of North & Middle Andaman that the Hon’ble Lt. Governor and Chief Secretary along with their delegations to visit North & Middle Andaman by road to know the first-hand condition of the road and also the plight of villagers”, affirmed Mr. Bhasker.
Concluding his letter, Mr. Bhasker stated that the people of North & Middle Andaman are very frustrated due to the poor condition of NH-4 road and the Congress Party has no other option other than to launch an agitation from 08th of November, 2023, if no corrective measure is been taken. He also cautioned the Lt. Governor of launching a “*Jail Bharo Andolan”* on the day of protest.
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