Justifying the closure of Gough Road in the Secunderabad Cantonment area, the Army authority here on Tuesday said that other roads would continue to remain open during day for some more time. It also said that emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire engines, private vehicles with critical patients, etc. would always be allowed to go through AOC Records as a “humanitarian measure”.
Breaking its silence over the road closure issue in the Secunderabad Cantonment areas here, the Army here said that a detailed and specific proposal from the civic authorities was awaited and also expressed willingness on its part to examine and render assistance to develop alternative roads along the periphery of the AOC Centre towards Mahendra Hills.
Citing “security threats”, for which regular inputs are received from State government and Central sources, the burgeoning and unmanageable civil traffic and its own requirements, overlooked so far in larger public interests, necessitated “gradual and phased closure” of AOC roads, said the Army authority in a press release.
Stating that the Army is willing to provide all assistance to plan and complete all arrangements earliest, the actual closure of AOC roads has been deferred to allow time for creation of alternate avenues for civilian traffic movement.
The release also stated that ‘intense’ parleys have been held with the State government and civil administration for development of alternative roads for civilian movement, as per directions of the High Court.
Residents’ reaction
After the Army had justified their stand regarding road closure in AOC on Tuesday, the Resident Welfare Associations have requested the Army not to close Gough Road till alternative roads are developed.
“It is estimated that around 40,000 vehicles use Gough road everyday. Now because of new restrictions, this traffic needed to be diverted through Trimulgherry X Roads. All residents of Malkajgiri, Defence Colony, Kapra, AS Nagar and Moulali put to a lot of hardships,” said B.T. Srinivasan, general secretary, United Federation of Resident Welfare Associations.
