RAJSHAHI, June 28 (V7N)– Residents of Tanore Upazila in Rajshahi are grappling with severe difficulties as heavy monsoon rains have turned many of the rural dirt roads into impassable stretches of mud. Villagers report that these roads, many of which have not been repaired for a long time, have deteriorated significantly, making daily life extremely challenging.

While major roads in various areas of Tanore Upazila have been paved or brick-laid, a considerable number of village roads remain unpaved. Locals complain that the lack of regular maintenance and a fresh layer of dirt has caused these roads to collapse, forming numerous potholes that fill with water, creating treacherous muddy conditions. This renders travel by not only motorbikes and bicycles but also vans and even walking extremely difficult for the rural communities.

The problem is widespread across the upazila's seven unions and two municipal councils. Specific examples of severely affected areas include:

Kalma Union: Narial Khat Para, Billi, Nathipara, Chandan Kotha, and Shallapara.

Badhai Union: Galla, Jheena Khor, Jumar Para, Maria, Shibrampur, and Hapania.

Panchandar Union: Krishakpur Mohammadpur, Jitpur Chimna Adivasi Para, and Yugisho Gram, where roads have become entirely impassable due to water accumulation.

Saranjai Union: Kachari Para, Bhagna, Purba Bhagna, Sarkar Para, and Sidhaid.

Taland Union: Kalna Kalna Adivasi Para, Mohar, Lalpur Salampur, and Devipur Aradighi, all experiencing distress due to lack of repair.

Kamargaon Union: Malshira, Marija Majhipara, Haripur, Bhavanipur, and Batashpur, where most dirt roads have turned to mud.

Chanduria Union: Kathalpara, Raoil, Hardah, Silpur, and Chanduria, where villagers are forced to walk long distances.

Mundamala Municipal Council and Tanor Municipal Council: Even paved roads in these municipal areas are reported to be broken and potholed, creating significant obstacles.

In response to the concerns, chairmen of the concerned Union Parishads stated that dirt roads are being renovated through a "40-day work plan." They emphasized that greater importance is being given to the construction of "in-soldering heading bond roads" using government-provided funds to improve the quality of life for rural residents. In addition to paving main village roads, "in-soldering" work is reportedly underway. The chairmen also assured that the dirt roads would be renovated in the future.

Rural Infrastructure Development in Rajshahi:

Rajshahi Division has seen significant investments in rural infrastructure development. Various projects by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA), and other agencies aim to improve rural communication networks, facilitate economic activities, and upgrade the living standards of rural communities. Projects include constructing and repairing upazila, union, and village roads, as well as building bridges and culverts. Despite these broader development efforts, the current situation in Tanore highlights localized challenges, particularly the vulnerability of unpaved roads to monsoon conditions and the need for more consistent maintenance in remote areas.

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