When it comes to
dirty lanes in the
city then one cannot overlook the Quinton Lane near Vishal Mega Mart (VMM) in Jail Road which is one of the dirtiest in the city.
This lane is used by hundreds of pedestrians’ every day who use it as a shortcut as it connects Quinton Road, Thana Road, Umsoshun at one end and Police Bazaar on the other end.
Of late the lane has been subjected to rampant littering. Besides, two wheelers often use this lane “forcefully” to get to the other end in order to avoid traffic on the main road. A resident of this lane said that this lane adjacent to the Vishal Mega Mart have become a littering paradise.
“Employees of nearby commercial establishments and even passers-by use this side of the lane to dump their litter. This is the most unclean part of the lane,” he said adding that there was some respite in the recent past but non-stop littering have started once again.
Due to rampant littering nearby residents are facing a harrowing time because of the constant foul smell that emanates from this corner. It is learnt that a narrow drain that existed in this part has been filled up by the authorities to discourage littering but that has not prevented the public from dumping garbage.
A resident of the area said that two wheelers have made walking very difficult in this lane. “This is a lane for pedestrians and not for two wheelers,” the lady complained. Another elderly resident of the area said that the lane had some stairs near Vishal store but motorcyclists forcefully use this lane. “Pedestrians have to literally jump away when these two wheelers pass through the lane or else they may run over us,” he said, while urging the Traffic department to penalize these irate two wheelers drivers.
Meanwhile, the other half of this lane towards Quinton Road is comparatively better but needs cement topping, residents have said. And the part of the lane that connects to Police Bazaar also needs topping as it is presently not suitable for walking. This part is constantly used by the residents who have vehicles since this is the only Road in the area that allows both entry and exit of vehicles.
“The entrance near the MTC Workshop is very steep with a rocky appearance. Further down, the road is dilapidated due to leaking pipes and release of foul water into this lane. Some engineering is needed in this lane urgently,” a resident said.
Residents have urged upon the local MLA to address their grievances and end their misery before the next rainy season brings more sufferings for them.
(By Rajib Roy)