Kasaragod: The region has just started receiving monsoon showers and within 24 hours of getting rains, ponds have surfaced on rural roads, exposing the poor workmanship carried out by contractors and road construction agencies.
Vehicles have already started moving cautiously to negotiate large ‘ponds’ on roads and in some places the top asphalted layer has eroded.
Roads connecting Permude – Kanyala, Paivalike – Chevaru, Jodukkallu – Kayyar, Bayar Kanyala – Sudembala are the worst hit in the region.
Poor periodic maintenance and the water draining system on either side of the roads has only added to the existing problems with the onset of early monsoon.
Despite the Kerala government releasing crores of rupees towards development and maintenance, the condition of roads is very poor. Some roads have sharp curves and signboards to caution drivers are missing at critical places. Roads bordering Karnataka are prone to accidents and in the future the situation is going to get worse with no room for improving the condition of roads during monsoon.
The public works department had allotted several crores this year for road development and maintenance. Unfortunately, none of the elected representatives and administration officials has shown inclination to upgrade the existing infrastructure, utilising the available resources. Thousands of college students, labourers travel daily on these roads and most students can be seen walking several kilometers to board buses braving rains.
The union and state governments have set targets on development of villages and rural infrastructure for the overall development and prosperity of the nation. Roads are vital for country’s development but with roads caving in so early during monsoon showers, the future of villages in far flung areas looks bleak.
