Jamshedpur, Aug. 3 : Peeved over poor condition of NH 33, the traders and business community has decided to launch a stir.
The Singhbhum Chamber of Commer1ce and Industry (SCCI) at a press conference here on Friday declared to organise a dharna on the highway at Pardih on August 7. Apart from SCCI members several other trade , industry and transport outfits will join the dharna.
The traders are protestingthe poor condition of NH-33 between Pardih and Baliguma, a stretch of 6 Kms which passes through Jamshedpur.
“We have been demanding construction of the 6-Km stretch of the highway that has turned into a death zone. Several mishaps have taken place in that busy stretch of the highway. We demand immediate repair of the highway or else we would intensify our stir,” said Ashok Bhalotia, president of SCCI while talking to newsmen at the Chambers Bhavan in Bistupur.
As per the plans, the dharna will begin at 10.30 am and continue till 4 pm. Several industry outfits of Seraikela-Kharsawan including Adityapur Small Industries Association and transport units would join the agitation.
�Through the dharna we want to build a pressure on the state government and NHAI so that the repair work is carried out without further delay,” said Vijay Anand Moonka, general secretary of SCCI.
Moonka pointed out that with the onset of monsoon, the entire 6 Km stretch of the highway from Pardih to Baliguma has become unmotorable as it is riddled with potholes and craters.
Another official said that the CBI probe called by High Court over shabby condition of NH 33 is unfortunate. Despite repeated assurances the condition of the road remains grave.
The State Government is responsible for poor road condition. The Chief Minister’s promise is mere eye wash. Jamshedpur is his home town but travelling to the city from Ranchi is a nightmare for commuters. Necessary initiatives should be taken to ensure proper repair of the NH between Ranchi and Baharagora, at the earliest.
State food and civil supplies minister Saryu Roy alonghad on July 29 carried out a spot inspection of the 4 Km stretch of NH-33 between Dimna Chowk and Pardih.Roy, who also represents the Jamshedpur West assembly constituency had also offered Rs 1 crore from his MLA local area development fund to make the 4km stretch of the highway that passes through the steel city motorable.