Boinda: More than 300 shopkeepers were evicted nearly four years ago from nearby areas of Boinda Chhak under Athamallik subdivision in Angul district to facilitate an expansion work of NH-55. They warned of agitation due to unusual delay in the road work, Thursday.
According to a source, Boinda Chhak is a prime business centre in the subdivision. Several government offices, few schools, rest sheds and other concrete structures were also demolished during the eviction drive. However, the road work has made a little progress so far.
Even to the extent, some ancillary works associated with the NH-55 expansion project such as the construction of drains including an over bridge has halted at digging of few pits alone, the source added.
The shopkeepers had earlier brought it to the knowledge of Angul district administration, but to no avail. They were hopeful of restarting their business soon after completion of the road expansion work.
It is pertinent to mention here that eviction was carried out at Boinda Chhak consecutively for two days i.e May 17 and May 18, 2018.
Moreover, three large pits were dug by the contract firm in December 2020 for construction of the over bridge near Boinda Chhak. The pits have turned death-traps for commuters and stray cattle as well.
The contract firm has left the construction work of two service roads halfway and only 20 per cent of the work has been completed.
PNN