Hiding the reality from our own eyes is nothing but entirely befooling our own selves; a single cheap idea could destroy any nation: Frustrated Citizens

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, Feb 28: The roads in Port Blair city have deteriorated significantly. Local newspapers and digital media channels have brought this issue to light through their publications and broadcasts over the past few years. However, the authorities have not taken any action or made efforts towards road maintenance. As a result, the city roads have gone from bad to worse, leaving citizens frustrated with the careless governance.

One notable example being the road from Junglighat to Dairy Farm Ganesh Temple via Vijay Baugh Road, which has become extremely bumpy and uneven due to the negligence of the road-making authorities. The Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) typically addresses road issues by employing temporary solutions like leveling with mud and other inadequate materials, instead of using proper bitumen and metal chips. As a result, residents along the route are constantly exposed to dust inhalation, sometimes getting into the eyes of motorists leading to an increased risk of accidents and a shorter lifespan for vehicles too. Despite the poor condition persisting for many years, the authorities have shown little concern for maintenance.

Conversely, roads frequented by VVIPs, VIPs, and top brass officials of the A&N Administration receive regular and thorough maintenance, with smoothing activities conducted twice a year, regardless of their actual need.

A concerned citizen remarked, "I don't know the exact amount of money spent on the 5-day temporary over-beautifications of the city, but had if the authorities allocated those funds towards repairing some of the city's roads, citizens would experience relief from dusty and uneven conditions for at least a year."

It is observed in the national media that during visits by VVIPs and VIPs from abroad to India, green screens are used to conceal slums along specific routes. However, it's particularly disheartening when our own VVIPs and VIPs visit our own Andaman and Nicobar Islands, green screens are used to hide the true state of affairs. It remains unclear whether this practice is sanctioned by the Government of India or the A&N Administration, but it is a source of frustration for islanders. Hiding the reality from our own eyes is nothing but entirely befooling ourselves; such a cheap play will become a cause of concern for any nation that cannot even confront its own appearance, according to a concerned citizen.