Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 09 January 2024
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has raised concerns over the deteriorating infrastructure in Diglipur, specifically targeting the Laxmipur and Madhupur Gram Panchayats. In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Chief Engineer of the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), D. Ayyappan, Secretary of the CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee, highlighted the urgent need for repairs and construction in the area following a recent visit.
Ayyappan expressed dismay over the delay in commencing the construction of the proposed road from Mauries Tirkey Junction to the Stone Quarry in Ward No. 4 of Madhupur. The absence of progress on this crucial road has been a point of contention for the locals.
Bringing attention to the crumbling infrastructure, the Secretary highlighted a critical issue along the road from Junction to Dunghi Ghat at Ward No.1 of Laxmipur Gram Panchayat. A damaged culvert due to soil subsidence has led to the collapse of half the road, resulting in the suspension of bus services along this route. With approximately 50 to 60 families heavily reliant on this transportation link, CPI (M) urged immediate repairs to reinstate bus services, alleviating the burden of a nearly 3-kilometer walk for the residents.
Moreover, Ayyappan underscored the precarious state of the Steel Bridge at Laxmipur Ward No.3. Erected two decades ago, the bridge has exceeded its intended lifespan, necessitating restrictions on vehicular traffic. Heavy vehicles are now barred from using the bridge, causing significant inconvenience to villagers reliant on it for transporting essential goods. Despite repeated assurances from authorities, no steps have been taken to replace the steel bridge with a more sustainable concrete alternative. In response, CPI (M) demanded an immediate replacement of the steel bridge with a durable cement concrete structure to address the villagers’ transportation woes.
The CPI (M) Secretary’s assertions highlight the pressing need for prompt action by the authorities to address these infrastructural shortcomings, underscoring the importance of reliable and safe transportation networks for the welfare of the local populace in Diglipur.