Road in Bad Shape Due to Light Rainfall
Kakatpur, 18/7 – Although the monsoon has arrived, even the moderate rainfall caused by low-pressure systems has rendered the roads of Ukulei village in Astarang Block nearly unusable. According to sources, two years ago, the Panchayat Samiti had initiated a road construction project from the main road to Mahatma Gandhi College in Ukulei. The contractor had expanded and built a new road, but reportedly, neither the block engineer nor any administrative official had properly inspected the construction. As a result, that road is now in a deplorable condition, riddled with large potholes at multiple places.
Despite this, neither Panchayat representatives nor block administration officials seem to be paying attention. A tender had been floated for work from the Astarang Bhaunriya bridge to the river embankment at Beguniagram via the Ukulei temple. The contractor involved had transported tons of heavy stones using the Panchayat road in Ukulei. However, due to the excessive load of heavy vehicles, the newly built road has completely broken down, say local residents.
Even though some intellectuals had raised complaints at that time, no action was taken against the concerned contractor by the administration. This has led to speculation among the local intellectuals about possible under-the-table connections between the contractor and block administration. After the recent Panchayat elections, a coalition government has taken over in Astarang. However, the local representatives of the coalition are yet to make their presence felt.
The road in question falls under the Kendrapara Panchayat of Astarang Block. Sadly, this road is the only access route for over a hundred students traveling daily to Mahatma Gandhi College. Additionally, many devotees from across the state regularly visit the revered Maa Ukulei temple through this route. About 50 families reside in this village and depend on this road for commuting to the main Astarang market every day.
Currently, the road is in a miserable state. This has raised a common question: during Panchayat elections, when party representatives come seeking votes via this road, how often do they return to inspect the current condition?
Several people have already sustained injuries, including serious ones, after falling off bikes while traveling on this broken road. Locals are now demanding the immediate reconstruction of the road.
