Commuting a nightmare as potholes puncture roads

Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh, July 22

A majority of local roads here have been rendered non-motorable due to potholes. Mud combined with rainwater further compounds the problem faced by the commuters as the surface becomes too slippery.

Condition of roads leading to Lohatbaddi, Raikot, Dhulkot, Chhanna and Ghungrana is worse, thus making journey on these roads bumpy and muddy. The portion of roads inundated with water makes driving risky as commuters are unable to notice uncovered manholes and deep pits.

Authorities at the local civic body office said weather adversities had affected the progress of the roads repairs which had already been started. They said the situation would improve after the completion of the work.

President municipal council Suraaj Mohammad claimed that process for construction of roads leading to cremation ground, Chhanna road and graveyards had already been started. “Though we have initiated process for construction and repair of majority of roads, work on accident prone roads would be undertaken on priority,” said Suraaj Mohammad.

Almost all approach roads to the town and those connecting cremation ground, grave yards, Guga Mari Chhapar, Dhulkot Kutia, Shiv Mandir and Hargobind Pura lie broken due to poor maintenance and stagnant rain. Residents have to search for alternative routes to reach their destination to prevent driving on waterlogged potholes. Sources further revealed that lack of funds and lackadaisical attitude of concerned authorities had worsened condition of majority of roads connecting the town with surrounding localities.

Meanwhile residents led by SAD leader Kuldeep Singh Boparai protested against the apathy of authorities towards safety and comfort of commuters traveling on these roads. They threatened to organise protest dharnas and rallies during forthcoming Mela Chhapar in case if the repair work was not expedited.