Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 11: The approximately 920-metre-long rural road connecting Late Sudarshan Mistry House to Late Rajan Paik House in Ward No. 3 of Gram Panchayat Chainpur has been in a severely dilapidated condition for a long time. In view of the poor condition of the road and the damaged culvert along the route, Gram Panchayat Chainpur has requested the Administration to conduct an immediate technical inspection, prepare a detailed estimate, and undertake renovation, strengthening or reconstruction of the road and culvert, as technically required.
Gram Pradhan of Chainpur Panchayat, Mr. Johnson Kerketta has submitted a letter to the Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, requesting that the matter be treated on an Emergency/Top Priority basis. According to the Panchayat, the road was constructed around 2002 and is now approximately 24 years old. Due to the absence of proper renovation and necessary maintenance over such a long period, the condition of the road has continued to deteriorate.
A culvert measuring approximately 4 metres in width and 10 metres in length has also suffered serious damage and erosion at its base/bed. The Panchayat has expressed concern that the condition of the culvert may deteriorate further due to the movement of heavy vehicles and continuous rainfall.
Considering its present condition, there is serious apprehension that if a heavy vehicle passes over the damaged culvert, it could fail or collapse, potentially resulting in a major accident. The photographs provided by the Gram Panchayat show large potholes, a severely damaged road surface, stagnant rainwater and damaged/eroded portions underneath the culvert.
According to the Panchayat, approximately 34 families reside along this road. Farmers, fishermen and other local residents also depend on this route for their daily movement and livelihood-related activities. Schoolchildren also use the road for their regular transportation.
The poor condition of the road has caused considerable difficulties for local residents, particularly during the rainy season.
According to the Gram Panchayat, due to the extremely poor condition of the road and culvert, LPG delivery vehicles are also unable to reach the area through this route, causing difficulties for local families in receiving this essential service.
The most serious concern, however, is regarding fire and other emergencies. The Panchayat has stated that if a fire breaks out in any house or other location in the area, Fire & Emergency Services vehicles may not be able to reach the affected location in time because of the damaged road and unsafe culvert.
Considering the present condition of the culvert, there is also a possibility that it could break and collapse if a loaded/heavy vehicle attempts to cross it. Such an incident could not only endanger the lives of people and the vehicle but could also completely obstruct access for emergency services.
Gram Pradhan Johnson Kerketta said that there should be no waiting for an accident or a fire emergency to occur. Immediate technical inspection of the road and culvert, followed by necessary repair, strengthening or reconstruction, is essential to ensure the safety of local residents.
Gram Pradhan Johnson Kerketta has requested the Administration to direct the concerned APWD/technical officials to conduct a mandatory site inspection and structural safety assessment within one month.
Following the inspection, a Detailed Technical Estimate may be prepared based on the actual condition of the road and culvert, and the necessary approval and funding process may be completed on a priority basis.
The Panchayat has also requested that, until permanent work begins, appropriate warning signs, safety measures and technically necessary restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles may be put in place to prevent any possible accident.
Gram Panchayat Chainpur has appealed to the Administration to take up the renovation, strengthening or reconstruction work under CRF or any other applicable Government funding source, as deemed appropriate by the competent authority, and commence the work at the earliest.
Gram Pradhan Johnson Kerketta said that early renovation of the road and culvert would provide safe connectivity to local families and ensure better access for Fire & Emergency Services, medical services and other essential emergency services whenever required.
He further appealed to the Administration to take immediate action without waiting for any accident or untoward incident to occur.
