Malda, Oct. 27 -- Even after nearly eight decades after Independence, a disturbing picture has emerged from Block Para, barely a stone's throw from the Harishchandrapur-I block office in Malda district. With no proper road connecting the locality to the main road, residents were forced to carry a patient on a cot, exposing the hardships faced by nearly 100 families living in the area.

The incident has triggered widespread criticism on social media, with residents questioning the administration and elected representatives over their failure to address a problem that has persisted for nearly 30 years.

"There was once a road, but it has gradually been swallowed by a pond. Today, even travelling by bicycle or motorcycle is dangerous.

When someone falls ill, we have no option but to carry the patient on a cot," said resident Bablu Ghosh.

Another resident, Mana Das, said: "We have been suffering for nearly 30 years. We have repeatedly approached the administration and public representatives, but nothing has changed. How can such a basic problem remain unresolved when the block office is just a stone's throw away?"

Seema Das highlighted the difficulties faced by women and patients. "The situation becomes particularly frightening when someone falls ill or a pregnant woman needs medical attention. We receive assurances, especially before elections, but the road has never been built. We want action, not promises," she said.

According to residents, ambulances and fire engines cannot enter the locality, while walking after sunset has also become dangerous.

The incident has triggered a political blame game. Mamata All India Trinamool Congress MLA Motibur Rahaman assured residents and said: "I didn't know about the situation. Required steps would be taken soon to construct the road. former MLA Tajmul Hossain cannot shirk responsibility for failure to resolve the issue."

CPI(M) state committee member Jamil Firdaus criticised successive governments. "This is a glaring example of the failure of successive governments to provide basic amenities. Political parties must stop trading allegations and take responsibility for resolving the problem," Firdaus said.

Ajay Paswan, Upapradhan of the Gram Panchayat and BJP mandal president said: "We will ask the administration to take urgent steps into the matter."

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.