Traffic mirrors await repair

By Tilachan Pandey,Tamghas, Sept. 30: In the fiscal year 2015/16, a total of 14 traffic mirrors, also known as convex mirrors or safety mirrors, were installed along the Tamghas-Ridi Road in Gulmi district by the Road Division Office, Palpa, to reduce accidents in turns and corners. However, only three of them are now in proper condition.

According to officials and locals, some mirrors had disappeared in less than a month since their installation. During the time of installation, one traffic mirror cost Rs. 28,000 and the total cost for installing 14 traffic mirrors was Rs. 392,000.

"While some mirrors were stolen, others were damaged or vandalised. They have neither been replaced nor repaired," said Padam Prasad Pandey, chairman of Gulmi's Civil Society.

Pandey stressed that it was the duty of the locals to preserve such public property.

"Traffic mirrors were installed for the safety of commuters. However, the mirrors themselves lacked safety," said Hari Prasad Gaire, Assistant Chief District Officer of Gulmi.

Gaire ascertained that the remaining three traffic mirrors would be protected.

However, there is a lack of coordination between authorities in installing new traffic mirrors along the road.

"It is sad to see that the mirrors were damaged or stolen by locals themselves. Currently, the road section falls under the Madan Bhandari Highway Project. 

The mirrors should now be installed by the project," said Baburam Sapkota, chief of the Palpa-based Road Division Office.

On the other hand, Madan Bhandari Highway Project officials informed that the need for traffic mirrors had been mitigated now.

"The road was narrow earlier due to which traffic mirrors were a must. Now, the road is being expanded and the mirrors are not needed," said Madhav Adhikari, chief of the Madan Bhandari Highway Project, Tamghas.

Nevertheless, road officials argued that the road from Ridi to Bheduwa was being expanded, but the road to Tamghas was still narrow. 

"The narrow section requires traffic mirrors, but this section does not fall under our jurisdiction," said Adhikari.