A 350-meter road stretching from the Adarsha to Tinkona intersections in Balarhat of Phulbari upazila in Kurigram district has become virtually useless due to long-term neglect on the part of the authorities concerned.
The absence of a drainage system means even light rainfall leads to this important artery becoming submerged in knee-deep muddy water, causing severe hardship for commuters.
As a result, the road is causing extreme suffering to the pedestrians, causing small and big accidents almost every day.
During a recent visit to the site, the UNB correspondent found that the road, passing through the historic Balarhat Bazar from Adarsha intersection to Naodanga Union Parishad and ending at Tinkona intersection (Phulbari Road), is riddled with potholes and mud, rendering it unfit for travel.
The road’s asphalt and brick have worn away, creating craters of all sizes, forcing people to go to their designated place wading through muddy water.
Besides, there is no drainage due to structures lining both sides, meaning water accumulates during rains and takes days to clear.
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This road serves key institutions like Balarhat Adarsha School and College, Naodanga School and College, Balarhat Girls’ High School, Balarhat Government Primary School, Kurushafurusha Government Primary School, Shefali Kindergarten, ASHA and Grameen Bank, Gajerkuti and Balatari Government Primary Schools and the Balarhat BGB camp, as well as the Naodanga Union Parishad.
Over 400-500 students risk navigating this hazardous road daily with muddy water splashing onto their clothes when vehicles pass, leaving parents in constant worry.
Various vehicles including motorcycles, auto vans, auto rickshaws, bicycles are often victims of small and big accidents.
On the western side of Balarhat Bazar, the 200-meter road leading to Naodanga School and College, Naodanga Land Office, Balarhat Central Jame Mosque, cattle and betel nut markets, and Balarhat DS Dakhil Madrasa is in equally deplorable condition.
Unrepaired for years and lacking drainage, it turns into knee-deep water during rains, causing immense suffering for students and thousands of pedestrians.
When speaking local traders Rezaul Islam Reza, Piton Pal, Abu Taher, and Rafiqul Islam said that Balarhat hosts bustling markets on Saturdays and Tuesdays, with cattle, goats, betel nuts, clothing, rice, furniture, poultry and bicycles traded.
Thousands flock to the market from far and wide, generating millions in government revenue annually.
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Despite daily use of the road by local officials like the chairman and members, no action has been taken.
Talking to some students, Shubhoshree Roy, Tanzila Akter (Adarsha School and College) and Hiyamoni (Naodanga School and College) lamented that as there is no alternative road, so they are forced to travel on muddy roads with risk.
The road is particularly impassable during rains and remains hazardous even in the dry season.
Abdul Hanif Sarker, a principal of Naodanga School and College and Moniruzzaman Sarker, acting principal of Balarhat Adarsha School and College stated that over 300 students from their institutions alone use this road, alongside thousands of others facing similar struggles.
The suffering peaks during the monsoon and they urged immediate repairs through intervention by the local UP chairman and upazila administration.
Naodanga Union Parishad Chairman Hasen Ali clarifies that the 200-meter road near the Jame Mosque in western Balarhat and the 200-meter stretch from Tinkona intersection to Adarsha intersection fall under the LGED office, while the 100-meter section from Naodanga Union Parishad to Adarsha intersection is under the Zila Parishad’s jurisdiction.
Despite multiple appeals to relevant authorities, no progress has been made.
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The UP chairman also demanded swift action from authorities to repair the road.
Phulbari Upazila Engineer Mamunur Rahman, assured that the issue of repairing the roads on the eastern and western sides of Balarhat Bazar, including near the Central Jame Mosque, will be urgently raised with higher authorities within the next few days for prompt resolution.