K Muralidhran Pillai
Port Blair, Jan 06: The battered road stretch leading to Karmatang beach, a prominent tourist site in North Andaman, stands proof of how remote pockets of these islands are kept out of the developmental plans of the administration.
The tattered road stretch and plight of people negotiating the surface appeared in the local media particularly Andaman Sheekha in more than a couple of occasions. But the concerned authorities have failed to repair the road for the benefit of hundreds of tourists and locals of the area.
According to reports, the concerned authorities carried out some patch works ahead of the visit of the Chief Secretary of the Administration to the North and Middle Andaman region.
But the patch-ups, loose earth filled on the craters, apparently to impress the Chief Secretary, washed away in the very next rain showers leaving locals in a tight spot. “It seems that the local authorities care two hoots of the instructions of the Chief Secretary, who promised development of the area during his visit.
Authorities like the ZIlla Parishad, NACD Mayabunder, PRIs, show huge amounts expended on maintenance of roads every year, but a drive on the pothole laden road surface at Karmatang will reveal complete apathy of the authorities towards progress of the area. Driving on the road surface at Karmatang requires superhuman skills.
Authorities concerned are least bothered about fixing many gaping craters that dot the surface to make it safe for motorists. On the New Year eve, many locals, who wished to celebrate the occasion, at the beach had to return back home for fear of accidents and damage to vehicles at the road stretch,” said some Mayabunder residents.
“Besides the pathetic condition of the road, cleanliness at the Karmatang beach has taken a beating in the recent months. The beach is littered with empty bottles and non-biodegradable wastes.
Though the Forest Department has placed Dustbins at the beach, lack of regular garbage disposal forces visitors to discard wastes in open areas. Moreover, a Watchman, atleast on daily rated basis, should be posted at the beach for ensuing proper watch of the tourist destination,” say some others.
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