Weed and shrub clearance drive at risky places on the road in Amtoli!

A massive weed and shrub clearance drive has been held at risky places on the Patuakhali-Kuakata highway in Amtoli to prevent road accidents and ensure smooth movement of people. About a hundred volunteers participated in the program.

The drive began at 10 am on Friday from the Ghatkhali area of ​​the Dhaka-Kuakata highway. Local social worker and Jubo Dal leader Momen Akon initiated the program and youth from various social and political organizations of Amtoli participated in the program. Notable among the participating organizations are - Amtoli SSC 2007 Batch, Swapno Choya Volunteer Organization, Amara Amtoli Basi, Amtoli Upazila Jubo Dal, Amtoli College Chhatra Dal, Chawra Union Jubo Dal, Bangladesh Chhatra Shibir, Islami Jubo Andolan, local journalists and the general public.

In the two-hour drive, weeds and shrubs accumulated on both sides of the road of about five kilometers were cleared. The drive ended in front of the Amtoli Fire Service Station. The volunteers said that such initiatives will continue regularly.

Locals are appreciating this initiative of the youth. They said, “Although it is the government’s responsibility, the highway has become safe to a large extent due to the sincere efforts of the youth.”

Acting General Secretary of the Amtoli Journalists Union, HM Kawsar Madbar, said that road accidents are regularly occurring at various intersections of the approximately 37-kilometer long Dhaka-Kuakata highway. Since the area is the main gateway to the Kuakata tourist center, the pressure of vehicles is increasing day by day. He said, it is time to build a six-lane modern road here.

Momen Akon said, “Preventing road accidents is everyone’s responsibility. We have taken this initiative out of the pain of losing a loved one. A little awareness and collective effort can save a life. I hope that other youth of the country will also come forward.”

Atiq Ullah, executive engineer of the Patuakhali Roads and Highways Department, said, “The work that is basically our responsibility, has been done by the youth—it is truly commendable. Such initiatives will help reduce road accidents. If the youth come forward voluntarily like this, the country will move forward further.”

It is worth noting that the approximately 37-kilometer area of ​​the Patuakhali-Kuakata highway has been at risk of accidents for a long time due to bushes and weeds. Although a report on the matter was published in a national daily six months ago, the Roads and Highways Department has not taken any effective action.
MNBD/H. M. Kawsar Madbar