Adivasi leaders appeal to traders not to oppose road widening

Visakhapatnam:The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of AP Adivasi associations and unions has urged non-tribal traders to refrain from opposing the road widening project being undertaken by the district administration in Paderu. The project aims to alleviate the growing traffic congestion in the town, which has gained prominence since its designation as the district headquarters of ASR.

JAC convener Rama Rao explained that the elevation of Paderu to district headquarters status has brought an influx of tourists, further worsening the traffic situation. To address this, the government has proposed a major road expansion project that includes a 100-foot-wide road (50 feet on each side) to facilitate smoother traffic flow.

However, Rama Rao expressed concern that some politicians are attempting to narrow the scope of the project in order to protect illegal business interests of non-tribal communities. He pointed out a previous instance where a proposal for a 30-foot road expansion was blocked, suggesting a pattern of obstruction.

Project officer V. Abhishek added that in May this year, some traders were evicted to make space for the expansion, but they returned shortly afterward. He confirmed that notices were issued to the traders, but no formal objections have been received. Demarcation for the project is currently underway, and the expansion work is expected to begin soon. The expanded road will connect to Highway 516E, improving communication and access to the area.