By TC News Desk
Agartala, 3rd April 2024: In an escalation of ongoing state-wide demands for better road infrastructure, residents of Dhupirbandh Gram Panchayat commenced an indefinite road blockade on Wednesday. The protest, originating from the premises of Lal Rama school, represents the frustration of approximately two thousand families whose daily commute and livelihoods are severely impacted by the dilapidated road conditions.
Despite previous assurances from ruling party leaders to address the long-standing issues of road maintenance, promises have remained unfulfilled, compelling locals to take decisive action. The focal point of grievances is the stretch from Lalchara Motor Stand to Uptakali along the Assam-Agartala National Highway, particularly in Ward No. 3 of Lalchara Village Panchayat within the Yuvrajnagar Assembly jurisdiction. Here, a makeshift embankment on one side and a blocked drainage by a local residence on the other have transformed the road into a veritable lake, especially following recent rainfall that left the road submerged under waist-deep water.
The blockade, which began at 10 am, saw residents demanding immediate drainage and road repairs, vowing to maintain their stance until their voices are heard and actions taken. As the day progressed without any appearance from department officials or administrative leaders, protestors resorted to fencing off the road as a symbol of their discontent.
The residents’ determination is palpable, with declarations of escalating their blockade to national roads if necessary. The protest has unified not only the villagers but also school students, who now navigate the flooded roadways with difficulty, likening it to crossing a river. The situation underscores a broader narrative of neglect, where a single oversight has led to prolonged suffering and a stark illustration of the hardships faced by the local populace.
