Anger Over Poor Roads and Drainage Issues in Shantipur, Locals Block Road with Bamboo
**Shantipur:** The road adjacent to the highly important Advait Pat and Station in Shantipur has been in a dilapidated state for a long time. Especially in the area near the 2nd railway gate of Shantipur, the absence of drainage systems makes the situation even worse during the monsoon. Local residents have been demanding a solution to the road and drainage issues for almost three years. Despite repeated notifications, a permanent solution to the problem has not been found so far.
Locals claim that during the previous government, the then Trinamool MLA and the former councilor of Ward No. 1 of the municipality were informed about the issues multiple times. They even submitted written applications. They allege that assurances were given for the construction of drainage systems. However, they complain that while drainage systems have been constructed in a nearby alley, the main problem area has not seen any work done yet.
As a result, frustration has been building among the local people. Finally, on Thursday, to draw the administration's attention to the demand for road construction, local residents protested in the area adjacent to the 2nd railway gate of Shantipur. They temporarily blocked the road with bamboo. This protest lasted for almost eight hours.
Upon receiving the news, the police administration from Shantipur reached the scene. Additionally, the BJP councilor of Ward No. 1, Mahananda Biswas, came to the site to understand the local people's issues. He spoke with the locals and listened to their problems. Residents urged the councilor to quickly resolve the road and drainage issues.
Afterward, Councilor Mahananda Biswas stated that the demands of the local people are completely justified. He alleged that during the previous municipal board's tenure, local people were misled regarding the construction of drainage systems. He claimed that the influence of the then MLA was also present at that time. He assured that the situation has changed now and he will take initiative to resolve the people's problems.
The councilor mentioned that he will review the approved drainage project in the municipality at the next BOC (Board of Councilors) meeting. He also stated that if there are any irregularities related to the 'My Neighborhood, My Solution' project in the area, those will also be accounted for.
His clear statement was that the road and drainage issues must be resolved using the funds approved by the municipality without looking at any other funding sources. The councilor assured that he would take the responsibility for this work.
With the councilor's assurance, the local residents temporarily lifted the blockade. However, it remains to be seen how effective the promise of problem resolution will be in practice.
On the other hand, the councilor also warned the local residents that they need to be aware of the maintenance of the road. Because very heavy vehicles operate irregularly on this road. Therefore, even if the road is constructed, if the movement of excessively heavy vehicles is not controlled, there is a risk of the road being damaged again.
After receiving assurances for a permanent solution to the long-standing road and drainage issues, the residents of the 2nd railway gate area of Shantipur are now waiting for administrative action.
