At least 300 students and around 100 parents marched to the Hamirpur district magistrate’s office on Tuesday, carrying national flags and banners, to protest against damaged roads and waterlogging near their school.
The students, mostly from primary classes, walked nearly 6 km from Gangwa Ka Dera and Bachchi Ka Dera villages to the collectorate, demanding a permanent paved road. Police stopped the protesters at the collectorate gate, and the group later returned to their villages.
Poor Roads Affect Students During Monsoon
The students said the poor condition of the road, particularly during the monsoon, was making it difficult for them to reach school and affecting their studies.
“Mud accumulates on the road after rain, making it difficult to walk. Often our school uniform gets soiled,” a girl student said.
“We have complained to the authorities 4-5 times in the past, but no action has been taken. Children and villagers often slip and fall on the road,” she said.
Students and villagers had also staged a protest on July 3. Following the demonstration, the administration had temporarily placed soil on the route, but residents said the road again deteriorated after rainfall.
Road Project Awaiting Approval
Hamirpur ADM (Finance and Revenue) Rakesh Kumar said the Public Works Department (PWD) has prepared a proposal for a permanent road connecting the hamlets of Chandupur village.
“Residents have submitted a memorandum demanding that the kutcha road be converted into a permanent paved one. Around 1,600 metres of the connecting road is in poor condition and gets waterlogged during monsoon,” he said.
According to Kumar, the project had been pending for several years. After the Forest Department issued the required NOC this year, the PWD prepared a project estimated at around Rs 1.81 crore and submitted it to the government for approval.
“The administration is sensitive to the issue of roads and connectivity. Whatever measures are required will be taken,” he said.
Construction is expected to begin once the proposal receives the necessary approval.
[With TOI inputs]
