Dilapidated and flood-hit Shekhbada-Gazkati road under Debiganj upazila in Panchagarh is posing risk to commuters. The road on the bank of Teesta has been severely damaged due to flood.
Locals said it became very risky to ply on the road as the road had damaged very badly in the flood during the last monsoon. The vehicular movement has become very risky on the damaged road. Although three months have been passed after the road condition worsened, there was no initiative of repairing it. Large vehicles cannot move on the road. A branch river of Teesta has been flowing by the side of road. A hole was created under 20 feet of the road. However, locals have been using the road as there is no alternative road in the area for the movement.
After visiting the spot, it was seen that a dilapidated condition has been prevailing from Shekhbadha intersection to Gazkati Bazar on Debiganj-Bhaulaganj road. Around 15,000 people of six villages of Gazkati and Shekhbada use this road. This is one the major roads for the locals to go to Upazila Parishad and Panchagarh district town.
Besides, people of several villages, including Tepriganj and Ramganj Biashi, use this road to go to Ambari of Nilphamari and Gomnoti Mirzagonj Bazar. There is a bridge over Teesta river near the road. Around 50 feet of the road are damaged on the west side of the bridge. The road connects to Gazkati High School and Gazkati Bazar (market). A red flag was hoisted there to warn people to be alert from any accident.
Jamrul Islam, a businessman of Gazkati area, said accidents often occur here during the night. It is tough to understand at night that the road is broken and a big hole has been created there. Earlier, buses, trucks and microbuses could run on the road. Now, it has become risky to carry a goods laden van on the road. The road needs to be repaired soon.
Mozammel Haque, resident of the same area, said we have been using the road for the last three months although it has become risky. None has taken any initiative to repair the road. School students use this road everyday riding bicycle. They also can fall in danger at any time. Tepriganj Union Parishad Chairman said a large portion of the road has been damaged. It is not possible to repair the road on behalf of the Union Parishad. So, I have informed the engineer of LGED.
Debiganj Upazila Engineer (LGED) of Panchagarh Md Shahriar Islam Shakil said we have sent a letter to the authorities concerned after preparing a project for repairing the road. The tender notice will be issued for repairing work within a short time if permission is granted.
