PEOPLE PAYING PRICE FOR ELEVATED ROAD

PEOPLE PAYING PRICE FOR ELEVATED ROAD

22-JULY-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------The construction of the elevated road between Saristabad and Sipara on the New Bypass has become more than just a traffic issue; it has turned into a daily struggle for thousands of local residents. A stretch of approximately one kilometer has been plagued by dust and mud for months. Families living along the roadside, shopkeepers, patients, schoolchildren, and the elderly are the most affected. Residents say that the slow pace of construction and poor maintenance of the diversion route have disrupted normal life in the entire area.

Whenever it rains, the diversion turns into a quagmire. Waterlogging hides potholes, making it difficult even for pedestrians to walk. Conversely, when the sun comes out, dust kicked up by passing heavy vehicles engulfs the area. Dust infiltrates homes, shops, clinics, and hotels. People are forced to clean multiple times a day, yet the situation reverts to the same state shortly after.

Local shopkeepers report that customers are avoiding the area due to the poor road conditions and dust. Business has taken a direct hit, with sales in many shops dropping by half. Meanwhile, the plight of children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory issues is worsening. Residents are compelled to keep their doors and windows shut, leading to increased humidity and stuffiness inside their homes.

Locals allege that the construction agency is neither repairing the diversion route in a timely manner nor sprinkling water regularly to suppress the dust. Local residents have demanded that the district administration make the diversion route safe and level, carry out regular repairs, and ensure water is sprinkled several times a day until the construction of the elevated road is completed, so that people can find some relief. ..so that another major tragedy could be averted.