BARPETA, Sept 29 - The Sarthebari-Nagaon Road, the lifeline of the people of Sarukshetri subdivision in Barpeta district has in recent days been creating more trouble than convenience for the commuters.
Lakhs of people of the subdivision are compelled to travel along the road as it is the only surface communication link for them, leading to the district headquarters at Barpeta.
One of the oldest routes in Barpeta district, it was reconstructed under a North Eastern Council project in 2005-06. After only a year of construction, it began to crumble and now it has become almost unfit for travel. Dotted with potholes, the crater-sized depressions resemble small ponds during the rainy season. During dry weather, on the other hand, the road resembles a dirt track fit for motorcycle racing.
The people of the vast area have urged the authorities time and again to repair the road. They have even gone on agitational programmes in this regard. Even organisations like the AASU and the KMSS and political parties like the CPM have adopted a series of agitational programmes, including road blockade and fast-unto-deaths. During every agitation, the government assures of taking early steps to make the road suitable for commuters, but nothing gets done.
The authorities have even discussed the matter with the representatives of the agitating organisations. The people have always looked forward with expectations that they will be able to travel to the district headquarters comfortably and safely. But their hopes and aspirations have been shattered and the condition of the road is going from bad to worse.
The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, which had undertaken two rounds of agitations in 2014 and 2015, also held a demonstration at the Sarthebari Circle Office recently. It alleged that the concerned authorities have compelled them to come out as they have cheated them time and again by deviating from their assurances to repair the important road.
It subsequently submitted an application to the Deputy Commissioner of Barpeta through the Circle Officer of Sarthebari Revenue Circle demanding immediate steps to repair and reconstruct the important road.
