Vikramaditya
Shaheed Dweep, Jan 07: Many residents of Shaheed Dweep are living in fear and trauma due to a recent spike in major road accidents. Over the past month, the Island has witnessed two major accidents that have left the community deeply concerned.
The first incident involved a dedicated teacher of Shaheed Dweep, who became the victim of a collision when a speeding vehicle hit his vehicle. The impact of the accident was severe, and the teacher, sustaining serious injuries, has been referred to mainland India for advanced medical treatment. In the second incident, just a few days ago, an electricity lineman, identified as Mr. Dulal Mistry was struck by a high-speed vehicle while he was returning after joining his duty at the Saheed Dweep power house.
The force of the collision was so impactful that Mr. Dulal Mistry was propelled through the air, resulting in critical injuries. Despite swift efforts to transport him to GB Pant Hospital, he tragically succumbed to his injuries early the next morning. Distressed residents of Shaheed Dweep are now expressing their concerns, highlighting that these incidents are not isolated cases.
Over the past year, several minor to moderate accidents have been reported, attributed to the constant rush of vehicles on the island’s narrow roads. The surge in tourism has led to a continuous stream of vehicles shuttling tourists from one location to another throughout the day, posing a serious risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders.
Adding to the perilous situation, the island lacks an adequate number of speed breakers and traffic police to regulate the vehicular flow. Residents, in discussions with Andaman Sheekha, emphasized that a major contributing factor to the accidents is the presence of potholes and the deplorable condition of the roads. The poor road infrastructure often leads drivers to lose control, resulting in collisions.
Despite numerous appeals and letters urging authorities to address and repair the deteriorating roads of Shaheed Dweep, no action has been taken to date. Frustrated by the lack of response, residents are now demanding urgent measures to mend the roads and implement traffic regulations. They believe that proper road maintenance and traffic control will not only reduce the frequency of accidents but also safeguard the lives of the island’s inhabitants.
