Protests and Dharna Fail to Bring Any Relief
Verka, August 30 (Paramjit Singh Bagga): The prolonged stoppage of construction work on the flyover being built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at the historic town of Vallah, falling under Amritsar East Assembly constituency, has created serious difficulties for commuters and local residents.
Local residents, including Nambardar Sukhraj Singh Vallah, former councillor Malkeet Singh, Kashmir Singh Sohal, Amolak Singh Vallah and farmer leader Ravinderbir Singh Vallah, said that nearly five years have passed since construction work on the flyover on the Jalandhar–Attari road was halted. Despite the passage of such a long period, construction has not yet resumed.
Due to the incomplete flyover, vehicular traffic is currently being diverted through the service lanes. Since these roads are relatively narrow and are being used by heavy vehicles such as trailers, tippers, trucks and tractor-trolleys, long queues of vehicles frequently develop, resulting in severe traffic congestion.
The residents said that during hot and humid weather, two-wheeler riders and people travelling in smaller vehicles face considerable discomfort while being stuck in traffic. Local shopkeepers are also suffering because of dust and dirt being blown up by passing vehicles, while residents are reportedly facing health-related problems.
The stalled construction has also created difficulties for schoolchildren from Vallah, as their school is located on the other side of the flyover. Students face considerable problems while travelling to and from school.
The local leaders further alleged that no adequate arrangements have been made by the police to regulate traffic on the service roads on either side of the flyover. According to them, several people have lost their lives in accidents occurring in the area.
Residents said they have submitted memorandums to the district administration demanding that construction of the flyover be resumed and have also staged dharnas and protests. However, they claimed that they have received nothing beyond assurances from administrative officials, while construction work has still not restarted.
The prolonged delay has led to growing resentment among local residents. They have strongly demanded that the government resume and complete the stalled flyover project at the earliest and dedicate it to the public.
Residents said that completing the flyover would provide major relief to local people as well as thousands of motorists who travel through the area every day.
They further warned that if their demand is not fulfilled before the upcoming Assembly elections, local residents may express their resentment against the present government.
KL JIT WALIA
