GUWAHATI: Deplorable road conditions in various parts of Assam have become a growing concern for local residents, prompting some to dip into their own savings for road repairs. This dire situation recently unfolded in the West Karbi Anglong District of the state, specifically in the Matikhula locality of the Kheroni region.
Frustrated with the lack of action from the Lok Nirman department, which is responsible for road maintenance, local rural residents took matters into their own hands. The road in question serves as a crucial link between Chota Matikhola Village and the Kheroni-Jirikiding PWD road, passing through the Makwe Hidi and Nihang villages.
The road had deteriorated to such an extent that it was virtually impassable, not only for pedestrians but also for any vehicles, including emergency services like ambulances. The local community pooled their resources and commissioned an earthmover to fill the treacherous potholes and make the road functional once more.
This incident is not an isolated one, as similar events have occurred in other parts of the district. Frustrated by inadequate road infrastructure development, local residents in the Rangkhelang-Rongpangbong region took it upon themselves to repair a 20-kilometre stretch of road through community efforts.