Bhubaneswar: When repeated pleas to the authorities to repair a key stretch connecting their housing society at Malipada on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar fell on deaf ears, a group of senior citizens took it upon themselves to repair the pothole-ridden road, pooling money from their pension and savings.The initiative was taken to restore a 700-metre stretch connecting Revenue Training Institute Square to their society. The poor condition of the road, coupled with monsoon-induced waterlogging, had increased the risk of accidents, residents said.According to the residents, representations were made to the local administration, elected representatives and the Khurda district administration, seeking urgent repairs. However, no repair work was undertaken, prompting residents to step in.Pooling money from their own savings, the senior citizens procured construction materials, and carried out the repair and patchwork on the road, which serves as the sole access route to the housing society. “We waited for months and approached every authority concerned, but nothing moved on the ground. We use this road every day and could no longer ignore the risks it posed to residents, especially children and the elderly. Since no help was forthcoming, we decided to contribute from our pension savings and repair the road ourselves,” said Sushanta Kumar Biswal, president of Acropolis Association of Allottees, which spearheaded the repair.Apart from him secretary Sukanta Chandra Mohanty and several other members actively participated in the effort. Biswal urged the authorities to take up a full-fledged road repair work on the stretch.Residents praised the initiative, describing it as an example of community spirit and civic responsibility. “Water-filled potholes often caused accidents and made commuting a nightmare. What these senior citizens have done is remarkable and deserves appreciation,” said Ranjan Dash, a resident.Another resident, Madhusmita Pattnaik, said the initiative reflected the growing frustration among citizens over neglected infrastructure. “The senior citizens showed that collective action can bring change when official systems fail,” she said.Notably, the area falls under the Malipada gram panchayat (GP), which, along with the district administration, is responsible for infrastructure and sanitation services in the area. Bhubaneswar Development Authority brought the area under its jurisdiction in 2011 but has not undertaken any significant infrastructure upgrades here, sources said.
