Editor,
I wish to draw the urgent attention of the authorities concerned to the extremely poor condition of the road near Bage Tinali, a few metres ahead on the way towards Doimukh and Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU). The road has been a source of hardship for local residents, daily commuters, students, and visitors. At present, however, I particularly wish to highlight a pond-like depression that has formed on the road near Bage Tinali on the way to Doimukh, which makes travel extremely difficult and unsafe.
The stretch of road in question is in a horrible state. It resembles a pond due to waterlogging, broken drains, and large potholes. The drainages system is completely damaged, and one wonders if it was ever properly constructed. What is more disheartening is that this condition has continued for more than one and a half years, yet no effective steps have been taken by the authorities. Despite several government budgets being announced for infrastructure, this particular road remains in a dilapidated condition, which is truly disappointing.
The problem has led to many painful experiences for the people. I have personally witness a student, full of enthusiasm to attend her first class at the university, missing it because she slipped in the water-filled potholes and spoiled her dress. I have seen a brother, who went to pick up his younger sister from tuition, arriving almost an hour late because the road delayed him, while his sister stood waiting helplessly. I have seen patients struggling to travel on this road, some even facing life threatening risks because of the delay. Teachers, who should be reaching their schools and university to deliver lessons, have met with accidents here and been forced to take leave for several days. Public health has also suffered due to dust, stagnant water, and unhygienic conditions. These are just a few examples; the list of hardships is endless.
Another worrying factor is the silence of many educated individuals in our society. Many of our elder brothers and sisters, who have completed professional courses from prestigious institutions of the country, are considered the eyes and ears of the government. They are serving in important states services and are entrusted with ensuring quality infrastructure. But I keep asking myself if they are really doing their job. Why haven’t we been able to find a solution to this problem? Have they raised their voices and sent the right message to the authorities? If they remain silent, then their degrees and educated lose their true purpose. Spending years to earn degrees but failing to find a solution to the basic problem of road conditions, especially during the rainy season, is really painful and disappointing.
Arunachal Pradesh is also promoting tourism as a priority. But what image will tourists and visitors from other states or countries take back when they see such pond-like roads and such poor maintenance? Recently, a visitor even asked me directly. “What are the local people and entrusted officer doing? Why are such matters not placed properly before the government?” His words were painful but true. If outsiders can see the neglect, why are we, the citizens, accepting it without complaint?
So, my intention here is not to blame any particular person or department; I want to highlight the daily struggles we all face. My concern is genuine and it comes from what I observe every day on my way to the university. I believe we must find a solution collectively. Shall we as citizens also contribute according to our capacity? Can we not come together, raises our voice, and demand proper maintenance instead of waiting endlessly? People can also play their part in finding better solutions.
Therefore, I urge the authorities concerned to take immediate action to repair the stretch of road near Bage Tinali and other parts. At the same time, I ask fellow citizens, students, teachers, and educated youths to step up, raise awareness, and ensure that this issue gets to the right people in government. By working together, we can improve the infrastructure of our state and make it a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place to live in.
Moge Karga,
PhD research scholar,
RGU