THE NAGAR PANCHAYAT’S NEGLIGENCE COULD BE COSTLY FOR CITIZENS

THE NAGAR PANCHAYAT’S NEGLIGENCE COULD BE COSTLY FOR CITIZENS

19-SEP-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------There are fears that the iron pipes being installed along the NH-84 main road in Shahpur Nagar Panchayat will increase the hardships of citizens. These pipes have been installed right next to the road, making it clear that the Nagar Panchayat administration has turned a blind eye to the basic problems of citizens. It appears that the administration has deliberately issued orders that could increase road accidents. These iron pipes installed along the main road indicate that commuting has become risky. By installing these iron pipes in the name of preventing encroachment, the Nagar Panchayat administration is directly providing protection to encroachers, which is a matter of serious concern.

In this context, it is also noteworthy that in July 2022, on the instructions of the Bhojpur District Magistrate, the Zonal Officer measured and demarcated the NH-84 main road and the Shahpur-Banahi road to remove encroachments from the roads in Shahpur. Following the demarcation, the Zonal and Nagar Panchayat administrations removed the encroachments on both sides of the road. This was a positive step, necessary for the safety of citizens and the ease of road access. However, the current situation is that the city administration is erecting a fence with iron pipes right next to the NH-84 main road, which appears to be providing protection to encroachers.

Regarding this situation, passersby say that the saying "Andher Nagari Chaupat Raja" is clearly being realized here. This situation is nothing short of deceitful, and the waste and looting of money cannot be ruled out. Citizens believe that this negligence by the administration not only endangers their safety but also demonstrates that the Nagar Panchayat administration's priorities lie elsewhere.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Chairman Gupteshwar Sah said that the Nagar Panchayat administration should take serious cognizance of this situation and take necessary action immediately. The safety of citizens is the administration's primary responsibility. If the administration ignores this problem, it could cause a serious crisis not only for the citizens but for the entire city.

Former Chairman and Ward Councillor Babita Devi said that the problem of iron pipes installed along the NH-84 main road in Shahpur Nagar Panchayat is not only a safety issue but also a symbol of problem for the businesses and traders here, which needs to be stopped immediately and resolved.