Harinagar Residents Unite to Demand Road Repairs, Prompt Administration Action Ensues

Trinath & Saurabh Adhikari
Harinagar, Dec 26: In a remarkable display of unity and determination, the residents of Harinagar Village Ward No. 6 have come together to voice their urgent concerns regarding the deplorable condition of their village road. On 23.12.2024 , a joint petition was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, outlining the dire state of a nearly 100-meter stretch of road that has been plagued by landslides and heavy traffic, leading to significant disruption in daily life and critical services.
The villagers highlighted that the incessant movement of heavy vehicles has not only endangered the road but has also resulted in damage to vital water pipelines. Consequently, residents have faced prolonged water shortages, sometimes lasting between two to three days—a situation that is simply untenable for any community.
In a proactive bid to resolve this pressing issue, the villagers had previously issued a token notice to the Deputy Commissioner, NMA, warning that failure to address the situation would compel them to erect barricades to prevent heavy vehicles from accessing their road.
Despite their earnest efforts, the lack of a timely response from the administration prompted the community’s men, women, and children to gather at a critical junction point, effectively halting the movement of heavy vehicles on the village road. This peaceful protest underscored the seriousness of their grievances and highlighted the collective resolve of the villagers to safeguard their community.
In response to the growing unrest, the Deputy Commissioner, NMA, directed Mr. Gaur Paul, Tehsildar to reach Harinagar ward No.6 to address the villagers grievances. Mr. Paul, Tehsildar, HQ, Mayabunder along with an engineering team, visited Harinagar Ward No. 6 to address the villagers’ concerns. During this engagement, Dr. P.K. Mandal, State General Secretary of Kisan Morcha, ANI articulated the villagers’ grievances before the Tehsildar and other officials in presence of Mr. Manojit Halder, Pradhan Harinagar Gram Panchayat.
Mr. Gaur Paul, Tehsildar, attentively listened to the issues raised, personally inspected the road conditions, and provided assurances that the necessary repair work would commence the following day.
Furthermore, Mr. Paul confirmed that no heavy vehicles would be permitted to transport quarry products until the road repairs were completed. He also mentioned that the APWD has already submitted an estimate proposal for the construction of a retaining wall to the Superintendent Engineer’s office in Port Blair, aiming for swift approval so that repairs can begin without delay.
Following these assurances, the villagers expressed their gratitude and promptly withdrew their protest, demonstrating their commitment to collaborating with the administration in resolving the road’s critical condition.