In a troubling development, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is accused of misleading the collector of Banaskantha district. This comes after the NHAI submitted a report to the collector regarding the pre-monsoon plan without properly cleaning the drainage systems on the Deesa highway. Residents have raised serious concerns about the poor state of the drainage on the highway. Despite written complaints to the NHAI regarding the need for maintenance, the authority has allegedly provided false information in its report.
The district collector had directed that the drainage systems along the national highway should be cleaned ahead of the rainy season. This is crucial to ensure that rainwater does not accumulate on the highway, which can lead to further issues. The Deesa municipality had also reached out to the NHAI’s project director, requesting the necessary maintenance work on April 24, 2025. However, the lack of action from the NHAI is evident, as dirty water can be seen pooling in various spots along the highway.
The condition of the drainage systems is alarming. Reports indicate that some drainage slabs are on the verge of collapse, posing a significant risk of accidents. In many areas, there are no covers on the drainage systems, creating hazards for pedestrians and vehicles alike. These open drains have led to incidents where animals have fallen in, raising safety concerns for local residents.
Despite these pressing issues, officials from the NHAI have only carried out minimal work in select areas, taking photographs to present a misleading picture of their efforts. On May 25, they submitted a project report for the pre-monsoon plan based on this incomplete work. This raises serious questions about the integrity of the NHAI’s report and whether local authorities are being properly informed about the actual state of the highway.
Moreover, there are reports of encroachments on NHAI lands, which have not been addressed. This situation has led to public demands for a high-level inquiry into the matter. People are calling for accountability and action against those responsible for the misleading reports and neglect of public safety.
As the monsoon season approaches, the urgency of resolving these issues becomes even more critical. If the necessary maintenance is not completed, the Deesa highway could face severe flooding and accidents, putting the lives of commuters at risk. Local authorities must take immediate action to ensure that the NHAI fulfills its responsibilities and addresses the concerns of the community.
In summary, the allegations against the NHAI highlight a significant lack of transparency and accountability. The residents of Deesa deserve to have a safe and well-maintained highway. It is essential for the NHAI to act quickly and effectively to rectify these issues before the monsoon rains begin. The community is watching closely to see how the situation develops and if their calls for action will be heeded.
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