By Dr. Dinesh
More than two years after pipeline repair work, a damaged stretch of Dairy Farm road continues to pose a hazard to motorists and pedestrians.
The road from the ANIIDCO Milk Plant through Vijay Baugh to Junglighat has remained in a deplorable condition for over two years. The stretch dug up for pipeline work near the A&N State Cooperative Bank, Dairy Farm, was never properly compacted or resurfaced. Temporary filling with loose earth and broken tiles has offered little relief, with the material repeatedly washed away during the monsoon.
The damaged central portion has narrowed the carriageway, forcing vehicles to manoeuvre around the uneven surface, particularly when vehicles are parked on either side. Pedestrians are also left with little safe space to walk. The situation becomes more dangerous near the speed breaker, where potholes and uneven surfaces pose a risk, especially after dark.
It is difficult to understand why certain damaged stretches in Golghar and Junglighat receive bituminous repairs while this road continues to be patched with loose earth. The authorities should clarify this inconsistency in road maintenance.
This is not a demand for an elaborate road project. At the very least, undertake proper patchwork immediately. The groove must be adequately compacted and resurfaced with suitable bituminous material to prevent further deterioration and restore safe passage.
The issue has been highlighted earlier in local newspapers, yet permanent corrective action remains awaited. A routine pipeline repair has now become a prolonged public inconvenience and a potential safety hazard.
Why allow a small repair to become a bigger problem? The authorities need not wait for the entire stretch to deteriorate further. Dairy Farm road deserves immediate attention, and the public deserves a safe, motorable road, not temporary repairs that fail with every spell of rain.
(The author is a Dental Surgeon and freelance journalist.)
