Bihar’s new Rs 100-crore road has a not-so-minor issue — trees standing in the middle

Several people took to social media, putting up photos and videos of the road, and commenting on the danger that the trees in the middle posed to commuters. The trees, many of the posts pointed out, are not even in a straight line, but are scattered across the road, leading to vehicles speeding through the road in a zig-zag manner.

Jehanabad District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey told The Indian Express that the road was paved only recently and “no accidents have been reported” on the stretch so far.

She said the issue arose during the extension of the existing Patna-Gaya road. She clarified that the particular flank where the new road was constructed “passes through forest land”. As per the administration, clearance for the removal of the trees had been sought from the relevant authorities. However, they saud, before the necessary approvals could be obtained, the agency responsible for the construction proceeded with the roadwork.

“The flank where the road has been made is on forest land. A clearance had been sought, but in the meantime, the agency responsible for the construction of the road, violating the conditions, went ahead with the construction,” the DM said.

Taking cognisance of the violation, the district administration has lodged an FIR against the construction agency, she said.

“Additionally, the stretch where the trees stand has been barricaded as a precautionary measure to prevent any accidents,” Pandey said.