GUWAHATI: The GMC Link Road is plagued by crumbling infrastructure and escalating hazards. Accidents have become commonplace, traffic congestion is reaching untenable levels, and the foul odor from overflowing drains permeates the air, posing health risks to residents. Despite local efforts, including a visit from a counselor prompted by community outcry, the road's condition continues to deteriorate, highlighting the pressing need for urgent intervention from higher authorities to restore safety and convenience to this essential thoroughfare.
Responding to mounting grievances, a counselor visited the site following a protest organised by exasperated residents. While efforts were made to address the issue by cleaning the drains, locals said that the measures taken were insufficient, evident in the recurrence of overflowing drains, compounding the woes of both residents and commuters.
Voicing his discontent, a resident residing near the GMC Link Road said, "Due to the deplorable state of this road, accidents have become a common occurrence. Despite our protest on January 26, the remedial actions undertaken fell short. The inadequacy of drain cleaning efforts has left the area in disarray once more, severely impeding daily commuting."
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The pervasive stench permeating the GMC Link Road area further compounds the challenges faced by residents, posing significant health hazards. A local shopkeeper underscored the detrimental impact on businesses, elucidating, "Our livelihoods suffer due to the abysmal road conditions. The unsanitary environment, coupled with the foul odor emanating from the area, deters customers, leading to dwindling sales. Moreover, the stagnant drain water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, exacerbating health risks for residents."
Moreover, the narrow dimensions of the road, exacerbated by indiscriminate parking, exacerbate traffic congestion, creating chaos for commuters.
A student from NEF College, a frequent user of the route, lamented, "The deteriorating road conditions contribute to traffic gridlock and disorder. Serving as a vital artery, especially as an alternate route to the GS road, it warrants urgent attention. The influx of large vehicles further compounds the chaos, rendering the situation untenable for all."
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Highlighting the critical role of the GMC Link Road in facilitating access to essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions, residents emphasized the dire consequences of its deteriorating state. Expressing concern for vulnerable demographics, including patients en route to medical facilities and students commuting to schools and colleges, residents urged the intervention of esteemed authorities.
In a plea directed to the Chief Minister, residents implored for immediate action, citing the urgency of the situation. Recognizing the contributions of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to the state, residents appealed for personal intervention to address the perilous condition of the GMC Link Road, emphasizing the imperative of ensuring safety and accessibility for all.
Another resident said, “This road is vital for accessing GMCH and other nearby hospitals. However, the broken road poses risks for patients transported in ambulances. Additionally, it's frequented by students from important schools and colleges, making it dangerous. Accidents occur here frequently. I urge our honorable Chief Minister to inspect the situation firsthand. Many VIPs and VVIPs use this road, and while they may have noticed its condition, their disregard is disheartening. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has accomplished much for our state; I implore him to witness this road's condition himself.”
While talking to GPlus, a PWD official said, “The Public Works Department (PWD) has proposed an estimation to the concerned authority. Once the estimation is sanctioned, the work will commence within one week. The poor condition of the road is attributed to various construction projects by different departments, which failed to restore it adequately. The road was already in a bad condition, but it deteriorated further due to neglect. Other departments involved include the GMC water supply project, Jalboard's water supply project, Purba Bharati, and the powerline project. The tender process has also commenced to facilitate the timely commencement of the work.”