Negligence of the R&B Department could result in deadly accidents on a crumbling section of Gudihatnoor-Utnoor road between Manikguda in Gudihatnoor mandal and Mutnoor in Indervelli mandal. The department failed to take appropriate measures to minimise the danger posed by the unfinished road-widening works which were suspended owing to rainfall a couple of months.
As part of the widening and strengthening works, about 2 mtr on a 6 km stretch on the right side of the road (from Gudihatnoor side) in question was excavated to a depth of about 1 mtr. Only a part of it has been filled before closure of work for the monsoon season.
The sand filled white polythene bags placed along the edge of the dug out portion of the road as a warning to motorists have all but gone. Night driving especially is fraught with danger.
Due to the incessant rainfall, the sides of the dug out portion of the road are giving way under pressure exerted by vehicle movement. A fissure on the black top which has appeared on almost the entire length of the excavated road is an indicator of that 2 ft wide part being unsteady and could give in if vehicles pass on it.
This factor has made it extremely difficult for vehicles to pass each other at almost the entire length of the road in question as the drivers maintain a safe distance from the fissures on the road on its dug out side.
The issue assumes more importance given the fact that the road has a good number of school buses plying on it especially in the mornings and evenings. Also, there are autos plying on this road which are usually over crowded putting at risk the passengers.
Officials are obviously reluctant to initiate corrective action as they have to do so through the contractor. "These people have connections and high level and we cannot do much in asking them to start work immediately," observed an engineering official connected with the work.
