Sri Vijaya Puram, May 15: In a prompt and reassuring response to the longstanding grievances of the residents of Harinagar Village, Ward No. 06, Dr. Sushant Padha, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, North and Middle Andaman, on 15th May conducted a personal site inspection of the most severely damaged stretch of road in the Harinagar village at approximately 3:30 PM.
The visit came in the wake of a joint petition submitted by the villagers at the DC’s office on 14th May, wherein they categorically apprised the District Administration of the deplorable condition of the road and the hardships being endured by the local population on a daily basis. The petitioners had also served an ultimatum, warning of renewed agitations, road blockades, and a hunger strike if their concerns were not addressed within a reasonable timeframe.
It is worth noting that the residents of Harinagar had, on several earlier occasions, brought the deteriorating condition of the road to the notice of the administration through representations, road blockades, and public agitations involving women, children, and other members of the community — all of which had unfortunately yielded no concrete results until now.
True to his word, Dr. Sushant Padha undertook the site visit within 24 hours of receiving the petition. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by the Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE) of the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), along with the Revenue Inspector and Patwari of the concerned area, ensuring a comprehensive, on-the-spot assessment of the problem.
During the inspection, Dr. Padha closely examined the severe landslide-affected stretch of the road and held detailed discussions with the AE concerned. The AE informed the DC that an estimate for the construction of a Gabion Wall on the landslide-prone section had already been submitted to the higher authorities of APWD for immediate sanction and action.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed that the Nallah (drain) clearance in the area be undertaken on a priority basis through MGNREGA workers, with a view to arresting further soil erosion and landslides. He also issued verbal directions to the Revenue Inspector and Patwari of the area to maintain continuous vigil and take prompt on-ground action.
In a significant administrative intervention, Dr. Padha directed the concerned AE to commence road repair works immediately without any further delay and to prepare a fresh proposal for the construction of a durable, all-weather road for a stretch of approximately 400 metres, which has been recurrently damaged due to the combined effect of landslides and inadequate drainage and heavey load of trucks.
Addressing the assembled villagers, the Deputy Commissioner urged them not to lose hope and assured them with confidence: “I will make it.”
The villagers expressed immense relief and gratitude at the positive and responsive attitude of the District Administration. They appreciated Dr. Sushant Padha’s personal initiative in visiting the site and his commitment to resolving their long-pending concern within a definite timeframe.
