Kotpad Although the people of Kotpad had been hearing for a long time about road widening, no action had been taken. However, today, the long-awaited drive finally began in Ward No. 10 of Kotpad town, starting from the road leading to Kusumi. An encroachment eviction drive was initiated as part of the road widening project by the administration.
In this context, the blue-tagged eviction program began with the presence of Tahsildar Lakantha Naidu, Block Executive Officer Pooja Raut, and other officials and staff. The Kotpad police provided full cooperation during the operation.
Previously, the administration had marked both sides of the road for widening, but local residents complained that the markings were not accurate and alleged partiality in the identification. They had requested the administration to properly identify both sides of the road for fair execution.
During today’s eviction drive, shopkeepers, especially from prominent businesses along the roadside, appeared anxious. Due to administrative negligence, several roadside business owners seem to be facing unexpected losses, and the operation has affected them severely.
It’s important to note that Kotpad’s main road, from Sai Temple to College Square along NH-63, is always bustling with people. Cattle freely roam in the middle of the road, creating frequent traffic jams and accidents, even though repeated complaints have yielded no results.
Now that widening work has begun in Ward No. 10, many wonder when the entire NH-63 widening through Kotpad will start, and when the daily struggles and frequent accidents will come to an end. The weekly market held on Tuesdays sees massive crowds, making even walking difficult, let alone vehicular movement.
In this context, residents and intellectuals from different corners of Kotpad have been demanding that the widening of NH-63 through the town be taken up urgently.