Pune: Bopkhel gets no relief, Parrikar wants a permanent solution

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At the meeting, Parrikar seemed keen to alleviate the miseries of the Bopkhel residents as he asked CME officials, “What is wrong in opening the road which has been in use for 50 years?” To this the CME officials explained in greater detail how the road was a security threat and that it should not be thrown open to public.

Parrikar then turned to PCMC Commissioner Rajeev Jadhav who told him about the three alternatives available. “One is a compound wall along the existing roads, then a road along the river and bridge till Khadki. The defence minister then asked CME, PCMC and district collectorate officials to hold a meeting to decide the best possible option and to send a report to the defence ministry.

“The defence minister was very positive during the meeting. He was keen on finding a solution to the entire issue,” said Jadhav.

MP Sable said since the construction of the bridge would take time, Parrikar directed the CME officials to set up a temporary bridge so that the inconvenience caused to residents could be avoided. He added that the minister stressed on the need to find a permanent solution to the issue.

However, after the meeting, Parrikar reportedly told TV channels that there was no question of opening up of the road. “There is a need to find a solution to this and officials will work on it, but the road cannot be opened for public,” he said. Sable, however, said Parrikar did not rule out the possibility of opening up of the road at the meeting.

Bopkhel residents, who were hoping for some relief, left disappointed. “We thought the Defence Minister would ease our nightmare by directing CME officials to take steps to open up the road…It is very disappointing,” said Rohidas Rithe, a resident.