Kotpad,: The road connecting Khadgapur in SB Nuagaon Panchayat of Kotpad block, Koraput district, to Kundra block via Raniguda has been completely damaged. As a result, people from three villages in the same panchayat and four villages from neighboring panchayats are now left without proper road access. Due to a lack of maintenance, this road has turned into a death trap. The residents of these seven villages are suffering severely and allege that although they have repeatedly appealed to the block and district administrations, no action has been taken.
The road was constructed two years ago under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) by the Rural Development Department of Kotpad. Under the PMGSY scheme, 10% of the estimated cost is set aside for repairs within five years if the road gets damaged. Despite this provision, the road has deteriorated entirely within just two years.
Locals complain that the tar has completely eroded, exposing the morrum and metal base beneath. The metal pieces have surfaced and are scattered across the road. Rainwater flowing directly on the road has worsened the damage, and overgrown weeds and plants have encroached from both sides. Potholes and even small plants are now growing in the middle of the road. Villagers report frequent accidents and difficulties while commuting, leading to rising discontent in the area.
Residents blame the poor quality of construction for the road’s rapid degradation. In the SB Nuagaon Panchayat of Kotpad block, where multiple developmental issues persist, locals have turned their hope toward the new government. They expect the administration to prioritize and ensure early construction of a proper paved road to their villages.
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