Due to the arbitrariness of kiln owners in Khajni, Katghar-Bighi road became ‘path of death’, many injured after slipping in mud

Reporter/Ramashish Tiwari (Khajni Tehsil)

Khajni, Gorakhpur. The condition of Katghar-Bighi road in the tehsil area has gone from bad to worse these days. Due to the negligence of kiln operators on the entire route including Naipura turn, a thick layer of soil has accumulated on the road, which turns into deadly mud after light rain.

After light rain on Saturday, the road was completely filled with mud, making it difficult for pedestrians and bike riders to walk. Many bike riders fell and got injured due to slipping. Local people allege that many kiln operators including DS Mark Brick are dumping soil on the road without any rules, due to which the general public is facing huge problems.

Villagers say that this route has now become accessible for kiln vehicles, but has become a ‘road of death’ for common people. Incidents of vehicle slipping are happening every day and there is a possibility of a major accident.

Earlier also, after several complaints, the Tehsil administration had come into action and the kiln operators had assured to clean the road, but within a few days the situation returned to the same.
The anger of the villagers, angry over continuous neglect, erupted on Saturday. Dozens of people came out on the road and demonstrated strongly by blocking the road. The protesters raised slogans against the administration and demanded immediate action.

Villagers allege that despite repeated complaints, no concrete steps are being taken, due to which people’s lives are in danger. Despite the demonstration, no effective action was taken by the administration till late evening, due to which there is immense anger among the people.
The villagers have warned that if the road is not cleaned soon and the arbitrariness of the kiln operators is not stopped, the agitation will be further intensified.

In this case, the statement of Deputy District Magistrate Khajni Rajesh Pratap Singh has also come into controversy. He said that “if there is mud then people should walk safely”. The resentment and anger among the villagers regarding this statement has increased further.