Introduction

The connectivity provided by the PMGSY roads to unconnected habitation has resulted in an all-round improvement in the life of the rural population and all the villagers contacted and interviewed have expressed their happiness and satisfaction on provision of the PMGSY road. However, during the field visits some aspects of the PMGSY road connectivity with a view of its impact on various socio-economic indicators were observed by the survey team that needs to be looked into for further enhancing the impact of these roads. These are brought out in the subsequent paragraphs.

Connectivity falling in the jurisdiction of two Blocks

There are cases where the proposed connectivity to a habitation is falling in two development Blocks. While one Block has considered the provision of the PMGSY road the other Block authorities have not provided a part of the connection. The result is that the habitations are still partly connected and people are really unhappy about it.

It is recommended that while sanctioning a connection to any habitation, this aspect should also be considered.

Already connected habitations

The PRIs of the habitation also indicated that some habitations were provided road connectivity in other projects around 10 years back. The condition of those roads is extremely bad. Also that connectivity is not the shortest path to the main market but it is a circuitous route to the main market. People in such habitation are complaining that their village is worst than an unconnected village.

Such cases are required to be considered along with other unconnected habitations.

Public Bus Services

It has been observed that the public bus services are not available in all the connected habitations. Wherever these buses are plying people are very happy. In some habitations in Kancheepuram district the frequency of bus services was not good. However, in Thanjavur the Buses have yet to start plying. The Consultants are of the opinion that the impact of connectivity will increase multi-folds by bus service.

It is, hence, recommended that mini-buses should be introduced to all the connected habitation at the earliest with the requisite frequency based on the demand in the area.

During discussions with the PRIs as well as the villagers it has been brought to the notice of he field team that there is immediate need for plantation of trees on both sides of the PMGSY road connection to protect the formation of the road. This will also provide environmental benefits to the village population particularly during the summer season.

Ministry of Rural Development may look in to this aspect.

Construction of Pucca shoulders and side-drains

It has been observed during the field visits that the PMGSY roads are not having pucca shoulders and side drains. As a result, during the rainy season it is feared that the formation will get eroded and damage the road.

The implementing agencies should ensure provision of pucca shoulders as well as the side drains.

Conclusion

PMGSY of the Government of India has performed well by improving the lives of the rural poor. The villagers are very happy, as the connectivity provided under the PMGSY has been able to improve their income and standard of living. They were so satisfied with the programme that they do not want just roads but wanted PMGSY roads.