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Silchar roads: Eighty per
cent in shambles
From our Correspondent Sentinel Assam SILCHAR, Feb 26: The roads in Silchar present a chaotic scenario. Any citizen of the town reacts with dismay and shock on being questioned about renovation of the roads, given the fact that eighty per cent of the road network is in shambles. Alaince Project Implementations (API) and National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC), which are constructing the road from Capital Travels point to Holy Cross School, a stretch of 3.5 km at an estimated cost of Rs 170 crore, have not outlined a specific time-frame to complete their work. To that end the people of the town have to daily go through the ordeal of commuting on dusty, dirty and potholed roads. The pace and method of work evoke many an intriguing question. Sushanta Sarathi Endaw, president of Silchar Chamber of Commerce, said that despite huge funds allotted by the Centre for the improvement of roads, the laggardly development in the town highly questions the ‘transparency’ of policy implementation. He also added that the lack of coordination among different departments like ASEB, PWD (R), Telecom and PHE is contributing to the pathetic state of affairs. Kamal Kumar Dutta, chairman, Institute of Engineers, expressed surprise that his request for a copy of the detailed project report (DPR) could not be met by the NBCC — the main executing agency — on the plea that the it “is available in their New Delhi office”. “It is ironical that the project report of a work being carried out in Silchar is being kept in New Delhi”, Dutta pointed out. SR Swami, former chief engineer of the Water Resource Department, blamed the NBCC and the API for their “lack of mission and vision”. Nilotpal Chowdhury, editor, Mizoram Post, was candid enough to say, “The way roads are being built, it has made the people of this town apprehensive and sceptical”. Shyamal Kanti Deb, chairman of Citizens’ Forum, said: “The roads are being rebuilt without proper specifications” . The roads are unable to sustain the pressure of heavy traffic. With the population of Silchar on the rise there is no space to widen the roads, Deb added. Partha Ranjan Chakravorty, chairman of Silchar Development Authority, said rather cynically, “With no dearth of funds, it is a wonder as to why roads are not being constructed scientifically?” Pradip Banik, vice-president, Silchar Business Coordination Committee, raised relevant questions about the quality of work. Mihit Lal Roy, social activists, expressed concern over the daily inconveniences of the people and added that it is deplorable that students have to daily negotiate such pathetic roads which entail regular vehicular breakdowns. In all fairness, the worst sufferers are the tax payers who can neither walk freely nor ride comfortably. As Mohit Nath, owner of a fleet of taxis, said: “Steering wheels, tie-rods, radiators, differential units, suspensions and even gear levers are subjected to damage involving huge financial burden for us.” Bithika Dev, MLA and chairperson of Silchar Municipal Board (SMB), did admit that people faced immense difficulties due to the worsening condition of roads. She, however, clarified, “The roads in question are maintained by the PWD (NH) and not by the SMB.’’ She also expressed her unhappiness at the work of Aliance Project Implementations and the NBCC. |
The inaugural programme ended with a cultural programme.
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