In Naswadi, Gujarat, ongoing construction of a small bridge on the road from Baroli to Haripura has faced serious setbacks due to unseasonal heavy rains. The rains, which lasted for two consecutive days, have washed away the diversion that was made to allow vehicles to pass. Currently, the drainage work for the bridge is incomplete, and both ends of the approach road are filled with five meters of mud. This situation has left drivers frustrated and struggling to navigate the area.
The road in question connects Baroli, Haripura, and five other villages in the region. The local government, through the Panchayat Building Department, had allocated one crore rupees for the construction of this small bridge. However, the contractor had prepared a makeshift diversion by the side of the bridge, which was not robust enough to withstand the heavy rains. As a result, vehicles are now forced to pass over the unfinished drainage work.
The construction of the approach road’s walls is still ongoing, and with the mud filling the road, it becomes nearly impossible for vehicles to move, especially during rainy weather. Emergency services, including 108 ambulances, cannot safely pass through this area either. Shockingly, the contractor has not provided any notices or boards to inform the public about the ongoing construction work and its implications.
Currently, drivers are facing significant difficulties. It is estimated that several more days are required to complete the work on the small bridge. The weather department has also forecasted more unseasonal rain, raising concerns among the residents of the five affected villages. The broken diversion is a major issue, and if more rain falls, the roads could become impassable, causing further inconvenience to the residents.
Arjunbhai Rathwa, a local resident, expressed frustration about the situation. He stated that the low-level causeway has been destroyed during the bridge construction, and due to the poor quality of the diversion, it becomes unusable after just a little rain. He called upon the authorities to ensure that the diversion is properly constructed and that the road remains open for use.
The local officials of the Panchayat Building Department have been criticized for their negligence. Although the government allocates separate funds for creating diversions, the lack of attention from officials has led to the local community suffering the consequences. Residents are anxious about the completion of the bridge and the road’s condition, especially with the forecast of additional rain.
In conclusion, the situation in Naswadi highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in Gujarat. The intersection of poor planning and natural weather events can lead to significant disruptions in daily life. Residents hope for quick action from the authorities to resolve these issues before they escalate further. Clear communication and proper construction practices are essential to prevent similar problems in the future.