In Naswadi Taluka, the condition of roads connecting 13 villages has become a major concern. Despite the Panchayat Road and Building Department issuing tenders four times for the construction of new asphalt roads at a cost of 6 crore rupees, no contractors have shown interest in bidding. This has left the roads in a dilapidated state for years.
During the monsoon season, some of these roads become impassable, isolating villages from essential services. The main issue appears to be related to the estimated costs for road construction. Contractors are deterred from bidding because the estimates for roads in nearby villages and those in remote areas are the same. Consequently, it becomes economically unviable for them to transport materials over long distances, especially when dealing with hilly terrains.
The Executive Engineer’s office of the Chhota Udaipur District Panchayat has identified six critical roads in Naswadi Taluka, including Dabba Piplawani Road, Pisayta Budha Zuldhani Road, Palasani Karmadi Road, Moghla Palasani Road, Kuppa Khenda Chhoti Umra Dabba Road, and Saankal (P) Maatha Zuldhani Road. These roads have been under the jurisdiction of the Panchayat Road and Building Department.
The repeated failure to attract contractors is attributed to the high costs associated with transporting materials to hilly areas. The estimates set forth by the Panchayat do not account for the additional transportation expenses incurred in such challenging terrains. This discrepancy has made contractors reluctant to engage in the bidding process, leading to stagnation in road development.
The villagers, particularly from the tribal community, are bearing the brunt of this negligence. Years ago, these roads were paved with asphalt, but they have since deteriorated significantly, causing potholes and other issues that render them unsafe and difficult to navigate. Many residents find themselves stranded during the rainy season, with teachers unable to reach schools and children missing out on their education.
Officials from the Panchayat rarely visit these villages to assess the situation, further exacerbating the problem. Villagers have expressed a strong need for improvements in the cost estimates for road construction. They believe that if adjustments were made to better reflect the realities of construction in hilly areas, new roads could be built and existing ones repaired effectively.
The situation is urgent as the monsoon season approaches. If these roads remain unrepaired, the consequences for the local community could be severe, affecting not only transportation but also essential services such as education and healthcare. Local authorities must take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that the roads are safe for all residents.
The residents of Naswadi Taluka are calling for more active involvement from officials and a reassessment of the current road repair estimates. They hope that with proper attention, the roads can be restored to a usable condition, allowing for better connectivity and improved access to services.
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