Potholes in NH-39/AH-1 road prove hazardous for visitors to Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary

A Correspondent

SARUPATHAR: Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Assam oldest sanctuaries located in Karbi Anglong. Garampani means ‘hot water’ in the local language and the sanctuary takes its name from the fact that it is famous for its natural hot springs and waterfalls.

The sanctuary is rich in its bio-diversity. Some rare birds can be seen in this sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to the Hoolock Gibbon and Golden Langur. The sanctuary is located around 25 km from Golaghat and about 35 km from Sarupathar. The presence of natural hot water spring and waterfalls along with 51 rare species of orchids makes this an ideal location for the lovers of nature. Many foreigner visitors visit to see natural beauty and natural hot water springs.

The road connectivity to the Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary is provided through National Highway-39 and now recently the NH-39 has been converted to Asian Highway-1 (AH-1). The AH-1 is the longest route of the Asian Highway Network (AHW) and its length is 20,557 km (12,774 mi). In the past couple of months, potholed have developed on NH-39/AH-1 near the Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Sentinel has been highlighting the pathetic condition of the NH-39/AH-1 road. Though the NH-39/AH-1 road was repaired in Karbi-Anglong district, in Golaghat district the potholes have developed in some parts of the NH-39/AH-1. The wildlife sanctuary and NH-39/AH-1 is divided into two districts - one part is in Karbi-Anglong district and another part is in Golaghat district - and due to such big potholes, many accidents take place in Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary and Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary, another wildlife sanctuary in Golaghat district but most part of the forest is in Karbi-Anglong district. It is located about 10 km from Garampani wildlife sanctuary.

The local people from Golaghat district have demanded that the potholes should be filled up soon to avoid more accidents. The potholes deaths have stirred a debate on the alleged inefficiency and corruption in the PWD and other authorities concerned. The government has launched campaigns to improve public awareness but the potholes remain a major hazard with lack of road discipline and many two-wheeler riders not using helmets, which further increases the risks.

Also read: Potholes in NH-37 road in Demow