Tired of waiting for the authorities to build a motorable road for more than a decade, the villagers of Darka in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Siang district have built one for themselves.
The vital road which connects Darka, the biggest village in West Siang district with Aalo, the district headquarters, was lying in a dilapidated condition for the past 12 years, officials said.
Also considered to be the lifeline of the village, the road, besides connecting Darka with its vast areas of cultivation fields and other important establishments is also used as a short cut by the villagers to reach Aalo.
The foundation stone of a steel bridge connecting the road was laid by the then chief minister Mukut Mithi in 2001 and was formally inaugurated by former chief minister late Dorjee Khandu in 2008.
Since then, the route was lying in a decrepit condition as large portions of the road and its culverts had eroded as it had to bear the brunt of a heavy downpour for years.
Finding no alternative, the villagers under the guidance of the Humgo-Rigo Dik Bogdo Committee and Darka Aalo Welfare Society decided to take matters into their own hands and started voluntary cash and kind contribution drive to construct the road.
Accordingly, the work was divided into stages and assigned to the villagers.
Cement concrete pavements were constructed in all the vulnerable areas while curves spanning 71.40 meters and culverts were also built wherever required.
The road was formally opened for the public amid cheer and applause on Tuesday.