Civic bodies responsible for poor condition of roads

JAIPUR: The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) initiative to establish a quality control laboratory to maintain the durability of city roads seems to be futile as majority of the roads, including the arterial ones, are washed away with rains.
Preparedness claimed by the civic bodies is exposed when potholes can be witnessed on JLN Road, B2 bypass, Khasa Khoti and MI Road which are the city's major roads.
The pitiful condition of the roads has raised the worry among residents as chances of meeting fatal accidents have increased manifold. With the ongoing monsoon activity in the state, the condition of roads have turned from bad to worse and potholes with waterlogging at many places have increased. Commuting in the city roads has become a nightmare for residents.
Vijay Ratan, a resident of C-Scheme said, "Even the major roads are in the worst condition. There are big potholes near Panchbatti Circle and chances of accidents are high as many vehicles travel on the road."
The JDA had also established a maintenance cell and funds for swift redressal of public grievances, including road repairing, have been released. However, the residents continue to suffer despite several complaints no relief work has been undertaken.
A JDA official said, "The roads cannot be repaired during the moonsoon season. But they will be repaired once the rains are complete."
Waterlogging in the major areas, including Statue Circle and Khasa Khoti, has become a common sight in the city and the JMC is equally responsible as the drainage work is not properly done. The corporation had promised to complete the cleaning and drainage work before the moonsoon. However, sources in the department said till date all the drainage are not cleaned.
Moreover, construction work at Metro sites is at its peak and as the roads are narrow because of the barricades, waterlogging has become a serious issue. Even light rain floods these sites. Manish Sharma, who lives near the railway station, says, "There is no outflow of water. It's a narrow road and dangerous for motorcyclists." The drains are open and they are inviting accidents.
Ratan Purohit, who lives near Moti Doongri area, said, "The drains are not covered. The seals of many drains are broken. During the rainy season, pedestrians cannot walk on the roads and people who are not aware can easily fall inside. Also, as the drains are open, waste materials which blocked it flow back again."