GUWAHATI, July 30 � With a view to take forward the action taken during this month�s anti-encroachment drive and to give a new look to the stretch of National Highway 37 passing through the city, the Kamrup Metro district administration has now planned to undertake work on a parallel system of drainage in the stretch of the highway from Khanapara to Jalukbari.
Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) Dr M Angamuthu told The Assam Tribune today that the district administration has approached the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and requested it to study and formulate a plan for a big drainage scheme along the NH-37 along the city.
�The current drainage system is archaic and not big enough to handle needs of a growing city like Guwahati. We have asked the NHAI to look at the matter of having a parallel big drainage scheme,� Angamuthu said.
He said that while the recent eviction drive has succeeded in clearing encroachment in the drains along the NH-37 in stretch there is a need for a holistic approach to tackle the need for outlet to the rain-water which accumulates in the area during rainy season and can be safely allowed an outlet to natural water-bodies.
Dr Angamuthu added that the administration has also constituted a Mobile Joint Enforcement squad to check and implement provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act and other traffic rules and to ensure restricted parking on both sides of NH-37 from Khanapara to Jalukbari.
The district administration has roped in the traffic police, the DTO and the NHAI for the purpose and the task would be a joint endeavour. �The problem in the stretch is that while the service road has been blocked at places and encroached upon, the main carriageway is now used as parking place for vehicles. This has to end and we will clear it to ensure safety and security of pedestrians and vehicle owners and to facilitate smooth traffic movement on NH-37,� he said.
Angamuthu said last year over 55 mishaps took place at the stretch, leading to around 40 fatalities and injuries to over 100 people.
�It is a nightmare to travel in that stretch of the highway. Our intention is to prevent such incidents and provide a scientific and proper way of traffic flow,� said the DC.
The squad shall undertake extensive and surprise checking and shall enforce all provisions of the Act and impose penalty as per the law and keep informed a panel comprising the circle officers of Azara and Dispur, besides officials from the office of SP (Traffic), DTO (Enforcement) and Project Director of NHAI about latest actions.
