Grain market road in a shambles

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 17

Farmers in Patiala district are a troubled lot due to a deplorable condition of the stretch to the grain market on Sirhind Road. It has not been constructed despite repeated promises by the Punjab Mandi Board. 

Farmers said it had become difficult to bring crop to the grain market due to it. 

“The road, full of potholes, poses a great risk to commuters as it may lead to mishaps,” said the farmers.

A young farmer, Gurjot Singh, said, “Due to heavy load, it becomes very difficult for us to take sharp turns while entering the market. Since the roads are dusty, therefore, we are undergoing a tough time. This, I think, is because of the lackluster attitude of the authorities towards problems of farmers.” 

The Patiala Market Committee authorities claimed that the road would be constructed before the arrival of the arrival of wheat but all claims have fallen flat. Even though more than two weeks have passed since the arrival of wheat began at the local grain market, the construction work has not commenced.

Punjab Mandi Board officer Jasvinder Singh Dhaliwal said, “ The road will be constructed once the wheat procurement season is over. Right now, in the middle of the season, it would be difficult to even re-carpet it.”

“As hundreds of trucks, carrying tonnes of wheat, ply on the same stretch, the road should be repaired immediately,” said Sukhvinder from Fatehpur village.