John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, August 27: The residents of Paschim Sagar and Kishorinagar, nestled under Diglipur Tehsil, are grappling with deplorable road conditions that have plagued their lives for a long time. The assurances of better road infrastructure in the region seem to ring hollow as the reality of pothole-ridden roads continues to persist.
The situation is reminiscent of a recurring joke, as a large number of urban and rural areas across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are marred by roads that boast more potholes than a smooth, asphalt surface. These substantial craters on the roads have rendered commuting a daunting task, even for four-wheelers and auto-rickshaws.
Internal roads connecting Kishorinagar and Pashimsagar’s main road to the residential sectors have deteriorated to the point of being impassable for all types of vehicles. School students, who undertake a 10.2-kilometre journey through this patch, recount their nightmarish experiences due to the dismal road conditions. Over the years, the road’s condition has escalated from minor potholes to large craters, making even walking a challenge for pedestrians.
The repercussions of these road woes extend beyond inconveniences. During emergencies, private cabs often refuse to navigate the village due to the dire road conditions, leaving residents stranded. Ambulances also grapple with navigating these roads, posing grave challenges during critical situations.
Mr. Uma Sankar Sarkar, the Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Pashchim Sagar, voiced the collective frustration of the residents. He said that despite repeated appeals to concerned authorities at the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) and the administration, the road conditions have only worsened. He explained that the tender process has faced cancellations due to insufficient participation, often attributed to unavailability of quarry products and the low bidding rate. Contractors have expressed reluctance to participate due to the financial strains incurred from low bidding rates and limited access to quarry materials.
In light of these mounting concerns, Mr. Sarkar appealed to the administration to formulate a sustainable solution that encourages contractors’ participation and ensures timely completion of road projects. The dire state of existing roads demands immediate attention and intervention for the larger welfare of the residents, particularly school-going children in the area.
