Dilapidated City Roads Piles of Sand and Encroachment Near Narad Pul Block Paths, Adding to Commuter Woes
BHAGALPUR/Regional Report: With the Shravani Mela approaching, the deteriorating condition of the Kanwariya Path and the city’s major roads has once again become a subject of concern. Piles of sand scattered everywhere, rampant encroachment on roads, and the complete blockage of the path near Narad Pul not only highlight the lackluster management by the administration but also signal major trouble for pilgrims in the coming days.
Path Completely Blocked at Narad Pul
Only a few days remain for the Shravani Mela, yet preparations for the Kanwariya Path remain incomplete. The situation is such that the path near Narad Pul is completely blocked. Local residents and Kanwariyas (pilgrims) state that the area is not only dominated by encroachment but also plagued by filth and waterlogging, making life difficult. While water flows from a water post on one side of Narad Pul, the pathetic state of the toilets and the stench of cow dung on the other have made the situation hellish. Commuters and pilgrims passing through this area are facing immense hardships.
‘Kingdom of Sand’ on the Roads
It is not just Narad Pul; piles of white sand have been dumped at various spots throughout the entire Kanwariya Path route. In many places, the sand has not even been spread, leaving the road uneven and difficult to navigate. The situation is similar near the underpass, where haphazardly placed mounds of sand are creating obstacles for vehicles and pedestrians alike. In several areas, cattle feed and other materials have been used to narrow the path, significantly reducing the width of the road.
Roads Shrinking Due to Encroachment
Much like in several other districts of Bihar, encroachment on local roads has become a severe problem. Shops have begun to spring up along the roadsides, but the paths themselves remain unprepared. Whether by cordoning off areas with bamboo structures or constructing permanent walls, people have illegally occupied government land. Although the administration occasionally carries out bulldozer drives, the situation reverts to its old state shortly after the action.
Public Outrage Over Administrative Silence
Villagers and pilgrims allege that despite repeated complaints, the administration is paying no heed. The countdown for a religious event as significant as the Shravani Mela has already begun, yet improvements in the infrastructure are nowhere to be seen. The situation is so dire that even during ministerial-level inspections, officials face significant difficulty navigating the route.
Urgent Need for Improvement
The encroachment and filth spreading across the roads have not only increased the risk of accidents but have also compromised the city's aesthetics and smooth traffic flow. If these obstructions are not removed and the roads are not leveled in time, pilgrims will face severe hardships in the coming days.
The local public has once again demanded that the administration clear the encroachments from Narad Pul to the entire Kanwariya Path, remove the piles of sand, and make the route accessible for the pilgrims.
