Muchandi-Guddapur road
Devotees visiting the Danammadevi Temple in Guddapur, Sangli district, Maharashtra, have raised concerns about the narrow and dilapidated condition of the Muchandi-Guddapur road. The 23km stretch takes a minimum of two hours to cover due to long traffic jams and accidents.
Gayatri D, a devotee, said, "For the past seven years, I have been visiting this temple. The poor condition of the road poses problems, takes more time to travel through and there is always a risk of accidents. This road issue requires immediate resolution.”
The Dannamadevi temple attracts thousands of visitors everyday from various cities and nearby villages. On festivals such as Kartik Amavasya, the crowds increase. However, the pilgrims are hindered by the narrow and deteriorating road conditions. Mahesh B, a member of Danammadevi Devasthan Trust, said, “The narrow and deteriorating road condition during the yatra contributes to a surge in accidents and extended traffic jams. We have requested the authorities to begin the roadwork.”
The narrow road makes it difficult for the larger vehicles to pass simultaneously.
Despite the approval of the tender for the Muchandi-Guddapur road, construction is yet to commence. A PWD officer, who did not wish to be named, said, “The road tender has been sanctioned, but the landowners adjacent to the road are not willing to part with their lands. This is the reason the work has not started yet. We are actively working to resolve these issues and initiate the construction process at the earliest.”
The government faces challenges in acquiring lands for the road expansion and improvement project. Some landowners say they want a better price for their properties. Kishan D, a landowner, said, "We are willing to give the land but we require a fair price for the land. The price the government is willing to offer is half of the actual price,"
While some landowners are willing to sell their properties, there is yet another challenge. is that of. Bhavesh Rao, another landowner, said, “Most of the land is owned by a politician who is reluctant to let go. This is the primary reason the road work has not started.”
The deteriorating road not only causes inconvenience but is also a major contributor to accidents, affecting the safety of commuters. Tarun Ghatge, a devotee, said, “I visit the temple every month. I once met with an accident, and it took nearly three hours to reach the hospital. Fortunately, it wasn't a major incident.”
Comentários