Mass convention to intensify movement
Improvement of Silchar–Assam University road
SILCHAR, August 12: In order to finalize an action plan to intensify the movement for the improvement of dilapidated Silchar–Assam University road, a mass convention is convened at Netaji Subash Mancha in the varsity campus tomorrow.
The teachers, non–teaching staff members, students and the locals are invited to participate in the convention convened by the Joint Action Committee and offer valued suggestions.
The nearly 22km stretch, connecting Silchar and Assam University has been ill–maintained for the last few years. The dilapidated condition of the road has put thousands of students and other commuters in difficulty as they have to endure slush when it rains and choke on the dust during the dry season. Ratnadeep Deb, President, Assam University Research Scholars’ Association (AURSA) said notwithstanding numerous representations by the students’ associations and social organizations, no serious step has been initiated by the District Administration. Peeved at the “indifferent” attitude of the administration, the members of Joint Action Committee on last Thursday had laid siege to the office of the Deputy Commissioners, demanding immediate steps to mitigate the problem.
Deb said that when the former President, Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, visited the varsity in March, the department concerned was indulged in jury rigging repair works in order to ensure his smooth journey. But, the repair works did not last long and the road turned in its original shape within a few days. Abhijit Mishra, a resident of Irongmara, located near the varsity, said that it would be inappropriate to call it the university road as thousands of local people use it daily as a thoroughfare. Every day a large number of vehicles including heavy trucks, public buses ply on this road with great risk, he added.
Amit Nag, a student of Law department, said that most of the students who travelled by this road are suffering from different ailments like backache, spondylitis, severe dust allergy among other. “It has now become very difficult to study at home after returning from the varsity. Though the condition of the road is worsening day by day, but the authorities concerned appear to remain insensitive to the woes of road users,” he fumed.
The pathetic condition of the road leading to university from town has been incompatible with the reputation of a central university and a matter of not only shame but also disgrace.
Source: The Sentinel 13.08.2013
