It is now a permanent feature of our state; the road connecting the two capitals, and the only surface link to the outside world, is once again closed. Thanks to a slight disturbance in weather, we have this road closed for days together. Somehow we have accepted this as our fate, but the question is that those stranded must be helped out. This is the least that the concerned agencies must do. Although it is a reasonable expectation that by now this road should have been made free of such vulnerabilities, given its importance to the people of the state. Also the fact that we have no other surface link to the outside world, the authorities should have long back worked on an alternative road link. But nothing of the sort happened, and we now have convinced ourselves that it is an impossibility. What we cry about is the safety of the people who get stranded. The first point in this is that if there is a weather forecast department up and working, it must have a special focus on the Highway. Not only daily handouts, we should have hourly announcements on how the weather is going to be in the areas through which the road passes. And then a strict adherence to the advisories issued by the traffic department. Second, there are some fixed spots on this road that are more vulnerable, and usually road gets closed because of landslides on those spots. A special focus on these points is needed, so that the chances of closure are minimised. Third, if it is a forgone conclusion that this road is going to close off and on, there must be in place a suitable arrangement to save the stranded passengers. Some safe places where they can be accommodated, and fed. We have seen that how the stranded passengers walk long distances, risking their lives, without food, and without any succour. At least government should take that into account and make some permeant arrangements in this regard. The safer zones on this road can be turned into emergency destinations for these hapless passengers. Right now, even that much looks like a far cry.
Closed Again!
