Air pollution on South Bypass chokes commuters
Thousands have to endure the hardship of travelling through thick layer of dust that is generated by the work in progress on the South Bypass at Kurichi in Palayamkottai
by The Hindu Bureau · The HinduThe south bypass road project in Tirunelveli has forced the commuters to navigate through the dust choked pathways causing significant inconveniences.
The project, which began earlier this year, is progressing at a snail’s pace leaving commuters to endure the hardship. As one of the city’s major roads used by thousands every day, the stretch near Kurichi junction is engulfed in heavy dust. The situation has become so severe that it was challenging to spot vehicles coming from the opposite direction, especially at night time.
Anandhamani, who owns a shop near the new bus stand, said he had to uplift this stretch almost four times a day. “The condition is worsening every day and I am amazed at the amount of dust generated here, even during wet spell,” he said.
An autorickshaw driver from the new bus stand said that although this was the easiest route to Vannarapettai, he had started taking alternative routes due to health concerns caused by the road condition. “I already have a disc problem and I don’t want to worsen my health by driving on this polluted road,” he said.
Wet mix macadam
An official from the Highways Department said that the wet mix macadam (WMM) layer would be laid within a week as they are waiting for the monsoon to end.
The official said the road would be completely restored within a month.
Published - December 16, 2024 09:49 pm IST