Roads repairing by PWD(R&B) is damaging!
RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Jun 12: Why is not the PW(R&B) Department removing the upper layer of roads before initiating repair works adding new layer of asphalt? Why is not the PW(R&B) Department taking proper care of the buildings constructed roadsides? Why is the PW(R&B) Department deliberately ignoring the damages to roadside buildings caused due to elevation of road levels due to the so called repairs of road? Why is not the PW(R&B) Department removing the upper/old layers before starting the repair of roads to maintain the road level besides to have quality repairs? These are very serious concerns to be considered by the PW(R&B) Department so that people may not suffer more.
In a move aimed at improving road conditions, local authorities have opted to add new layers of asphalt on top of existing ones without removing the old layers. This practice, however, has led to a series of adverse effects, causing significant distress among residents and business owners in the community.
Structural Damage to Roadside Properties: The continuous addition of asphalt has elevated road levels substantially, resulting in structural damage to houses and businesses along the roadside. Many buildings are now showing cracks due to the increased pressure from the higher road levels, compromising their foundations and structural integrity. Residents report that the elevated roads are causing significant wear and tear on their properties, leading to costly repairs and decreased property values.
Increased Flood Risk: One of the most concerning outcomes of the elevated road levels is the increased risk of flooding. During heavy rains, water runoff from the higher roads floods the lower-lying properties, causing frequent and severe water damage. This flooding has become a recurrent issue, with water often seeping into homes and businesses, destroying belongings, and creating unsanitary conditions.
Worthless Footpaths and Accessibility Issues: The raised road levels have rendered footpaths practically useless. Pedestrian access has become hazardous, particularly for the elderly and disabled who rely on safe sidewalks for mobility. The height discrepancy between the road and the footpath has made walking difficult and dangerous, leading to an increase in accidents and injuries. Additionally, vehicles face challenges entering and exiting driveways, complicating access for residents and affecting daily routines.
Complicated Maintenance of Underground Utilities: Each new layer of asphalt pushes essential utility pipes, including water and sewage lines, deeper underground. This increased depth complicates maintenance and emergency repairs, making it difficult and costly to access these utilities. Prolonged service disruptions have become more common, and repair costs have soared, placing an additional financial burden on the community.
Overburdened Bridges and Structural Risks: The extra layers of asphalt add substantial weight to bridges and overpasses, raising serious concerns about their structural integrity. The increased burden on these structures has the potential to compromise their safety, posing a risk of collapse under excessive load. This overburdening of infrastructure has sparked fears among residents and commuters who rely on these bridges for their daily travel.
Community Demands for Change: The adverse effects of the current road repair strategy have prompted community members to call for immediate changes. Experts and residents alike are advocating for the removal of existing asphalt layers before applying new ones. This approach would prevent road levels from rising, reduce the risk of flooding, and minimize structural damage to adjacent properties.
Improving Repair Quality and Sustainability: Proper road maintenance and repair methods, including the removal of old layers, are essential to enhance the durability and longevity of road surfaces. Implementing these practices would ensure more effective and sustainable repairs, ultimately benefiting the community.
Simplifying Utility Maintenance: Maintaining consistent road levels would facilitate easier access to underground utilities, making maintenance and repairs less disruptive and more cost-effective. This change is crucial for the long-term functionality and reliability of essential services.
Protecting Bridges and Overpasses: Reducing the weight burden on bridges and overpasses is necessary to preserve their integrity and ensure their longevity. Protecting these structures is vital for public safety and the continued smooth operation of transportation networks.
Voices from the Community: Local residents and business owners are expressing their frustration and concern. “The elevated roads have caused water to flood my shop during heavy rains, making it difficult for customers to access my store,” said a local shop owner. “The footpaths are practically gone. It’s dangerous to walk, especially for children and the elderly,” added another resident.
Moving Forward: As the community’s concern is growing very fast about their safety; the local authorities to reconsider their road repair strategies. Implementing more sustainable and effective methods is crucial to ensuring the safety, accessibility, and functionality of our community’s infrastructure.
When I talked with Chief Engineer PW(R&B) Department Jammu Rajesh Gupta over this sensitive issue about the level raising of the road with each repair and pushing the people in problems, he fumbled to reply and agreed in very silent words about such problems but he immediately added that at present the roads of Jammu city are being repaired/renovated by the Jammu Smart City department. When I mentioned about a particular areas as an example he silently agreed but he said that in future this problem would be considered.
The conversation with the Chief Engineer has indicated that those people do not have any concern with the people. They (concerned engineers) are only to kill the time and only opting the formula ‘Look busy and do nothing’. Let we hope positive may higher authority understand the people’s anguish.
