Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, June 17: Onset of the monsoon season has further aggravated the problems of hundreds of residents of old Pahargaon who continue to face inconvenience as authorities have failed to restore the arterial road near Sapna Theatre closed for the past two months following a series of landslides caused due to unauthorised excavation of earth inside the airport campus.
Following the closure of the road, diversion of traffic through narrow road stretches has amplified the risk of accidents and motorists are having a harrowing time particularly during rush hours. While residents are forced to traverse more than 3 KM to reach the nearby main junction through the alternative route, water inundation during heavy rains at various points of the diverted road completely cuts-off the road leaving residents stranded at homes or other places.
“Vehicles passing through narrow stretches in New Pahargaon leads to traffic pile-up during office and school hours and the problem has aggravated after the arrival of the monsoon season. The thin stretches are not suitable for two-way traffic and have increased the risk of road accidents. To add to the woes, water inundates several parts of the alternative route during heavy downpour forcing residents to remain indoors. The administration should take necessary steps to provide an alternate route to the residents of New Pahargaon. Moreover, the repairs of the arterial road near Sapna Theatre should be completed as soon as possible and opened for public use,” said some residents of the area.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, the Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, Mr VK Bidhuri said that the road near Sapna Theatre has been closed to ensure the safety of the residents of the area from the threat of landslides.
“The repairs works are being executed on war footing and the road will be open for public use soon. For District Administration safety of life is top priority,” he said urging the local residents to be patient and cooperate with the District Administration.
