1234 Kolkata: Road repairs are underway in stretches of First Avenue in Salt Lake and some blocks located off it. The first attempt to properly repair roads after a long time has raised hope among the residents who have been complaining about the sorry state of roads for some years now.
The Association of Bidhannagar Citizens, a people's forum, submitted a memorandum to the civic body last year, urging a thorough overhaul of roads. "We want the roads to be repaired in a sustainable manner so that they last long. No wear and tear should develop in a short time," said Ritesh Basak, forum secretary.
In recent years, only patchwork repairs were carried out prior to Durga Puja that were washed away during monsoon. This left most roads in Salt Lake cratered and battered. The road repair work that began last week after funds were allocated is now going on in AA, AB, CA, AL and BL blocks. Civic officials said they are conducting surveys to identify the worst damaged roads so that their repairs can be taken up on a priority basis.
On Monday, TOI found civic workers laying bituminous mastic asphalt on the road surface on a stretch connecting PNB Island to the road along Keshtopur canal. "Road repair work has started in some localities. The quality of workmanship and materials used need to be checked to ensure the repaired roads last," said Krishnendu Chowdhury, a resident of CL Block.
Residents who have been airing the grievance about the pathetic condition of roads in Salt Lake hoped BMC would do a proper repair job and not cut corners or leave it midway. "This is much needed. Several stretches have been in terrible shape for a long time, much to the inconvenience of motorists. Hopefully, the civic authorities will do thorough repair," said Sampurna Mazumdar, an AE Block resident.
State fire & emergency services minister and Bidhannagar MLA Sujit Bose said that road repair work will be conducted across 14 wards covering Salt Lake and adjoining areas. The target is to complete the repairs in a month. The state govt has sanctioned Rs 25 crore for road repairs in 14 wards across Salt Lake, and KMDA has also prepared a Rs 12 crore road repair scheme, out of which Rs 4.5 crore has been sanctioned. "The state govt is in the process of sanctioning funds for the rest of the wards," Bose said.
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