Bhubaneswar, Aug 3: Setting an inspiring example of community service, a group of senior citizens repaired a badly damaged road with their own pension money after repeated appeals to the authorities failed to yield any results. The unique initiative was undertaken on World Friendship Day at Gothapatna on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

The 500-metre stretch of road connecting the Revenue Training Institute (ROTI) Square to Acropolis Society had developed several potholes after heavy vehicles, including tractors, trucks and bulldozers, frequently used the newly constructed road. Waterlogging during the monsoon, mosquito breeding and frequent road accidents had become a major concern for local residents.

Despite approaching the local administration, elected representatives and even the Khurda district administration through the village sarpanch, residents alleged that no repair work was undertaken. Left with no alternative, the elderly residents decided to take matters into their own hands.

Using their pension savings, they purchased cement, sand, stone chips, shovels and other construction materials before beginning the repair work. Working under the scorching sun for nearly four hours, the senior citizens mixed cement and sand, filled potholes with stone chips and levelled the damaged portions of the road through voluntary labour.

The initiative drew appreciation from local residents, who hailed the elderly citizens' dedication and civic responsibility. Many described the effort as a powerful reminder that community participation can make a significant difference when public infrastructure is neglected.

The road repair drive was led by members of the Acropolis Association of Allottees, including president Sushanta Kumar Biswal, secretary Sukanta Chandra Mohanty, vice-president Biraja Shankar Das, along with Prafulla Kumar Jena and P.K. Swain, who actively participated in the voluntary repair work.