The much-anticipated road construction project in Bhopal's Awadhpuri area, stretching from SOS to the Awadhpuri trisection, has transformed from a beacon of progress into a severe public nuisance. Initiated to enhance local connectivity, the project's prolonged delays and apparent abandonment have sparked widespread anger and distress among the community.
From Promise to Peril: A Project Abandoned
Work on the road began approximately a month ago, with authorities digging up the existing surface and laying a foundation of gravel. However, progress has come to a complete halt in recent days. Residents report that no workers have been seen on-site for several days, despite repeated assurances from civic officials and the contractors involved. The incomplete stretch now lies like a scar across the locality, its original purpose forgotten.
Health Hazards and Safety Risks Multiply
The stalled project has triggered a cascade of daily problems for Awadhpuri's inhabitants. The most immediate issue is severe dust pollution. Every passing vehicle churns up thick clouds of dust, enveloping homes, shops, and the very air people breathe. Vinay Gupta, a local resident, highlighted the health crisis, stating that families are grappling with persistent coughing, eye irritation, and respiratory ailments due to the unhygienic conditions.
Safety is another major concern. The uneven road surface, littered with loose gravel, poses a significant accident threat, particularly for two-wheeler riders and schoolchildren who use the route daily. The danger escalates after dark. Mayank Sharma, another resident, pointed out the absence of streetlights on the damaged stretch, turning it into a hazard zone where drivers struggle to navigate, leading to frequent minor collisions and near misses.
Residents Take Action Amid Official Silence
Frustrated by the civic body's inaction and the deteriorating living conditions, the people of Awadhpuri have decided to escalate the matter. They are now lodging formal complaints with the chief minister's helpline and other relevant authorities, demanding urgent intervention. The collective demand is clear: the municipal corporation must ensure work resumes immediately without further delays.
The community's hopes for a modern, smooth road have been replaced by a desperate plea for relief from the dust, danger, and official neglect that now define their neighbourhood. When contacted for comment, local Corporator Madhu Shivnani declined to speak on the issue. Minister of State Krishna Gour, who had laid the foundation stone for the road, also did not respond to calls or messages.
