Port Blair, Sep 06: CPI (M) has demanded immediate completion of re-construction of ATR/NH 4 and culverts along the road and also to undertake necessary repairs and maintenance wherever required.
In a letter sent to the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Mr. D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee, referring to his earlier letter dated 10th August 2022 also addressed to the Chief Secretary by which he had brought to the notice of the Chief Secretary the extremely poor condition of a certain stretch of ATR/NH 4 and sought his intervention in the matter, has now submitted a detailed letter on the issue. Referring to his recent visit to Diglipur and Middle Andaman, Mr. Ayyappan said that a large stretch of road between Nilambur Jetty in Baratang and Diglipur Bazar is in horrible condition and with great difficulty, the vehicles are passing through the such stretch road.
He informed the Chief Secretary that the Stretch of the road from ThoratanguptoNimbudera (10 KMs), from Badam Nallah uptoMayabunder (30 KMs), from Austin bridge uptoMohanpur (10 KMs) and from Kalra junction uptoDiglipur bazaar (5 KMs) cannot be used by light vehicles as such stretch of ATR/NH are full of deep ditches, potholes and uneven surfaces. Private vehicle operators refuse to pass through such portions of the road. Travelling through such stretches of ATR is a nightmare for the passengers as well as drivers. In many areas, the road is sliding dangerously, posing a grave threat to the lives of passengers but no step is being taken to stop it. This is particularly seen on Baratang Island. In several places, people cannot even walk over certain stretches of road, particularly during rain.
Mr. Ayyappan informed the Chief Secretary that during his tour to North and Middle Andaman, he has seen that the men and machineries of the NHIDCL have been moved out and no one is there in the areas to attend even the most dangerous condition of the ATR/NH 4. The work of reconstruction/repair of roads and culverts along the road has come to a standstill. It seems that the NHIDCL has abdicated its responsibility to re-construct/repair the ATR Road/NH 4 which was handed over to it several years back.
CPI (M) has requested the Chief Secretary to look into this issue and direct the NHIDCL to complete the re-construction of the ATR/NH 4 and culverts along the road and also to undertake necessary repairs and maintenance wherever required and make the ATR/NH4 motorable which will be of immense relief to thousands of people living in North and Middle Andamans.