Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Potholes and craters emerging on the public roads after a brief spell of rain are a common sight in Maharashtra’s Pimpri-Chinchwad. In the last 40 days, the civic administration of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has spotted over 1,800 potholes across the length and breadth of the industrial city, officials said.
From June 1, the region has witnessed light to very light rainfall. In the 40 days of the “light showers,” the public roads have developed potholes, some at short distances and some extending to a few hundred metres. The Pune-Mumbai highway and the Pune-Nashik Highway, which passes through the city, are also riddled with potholes. Motorists and two-wheeler riders are having a tough time navigating through the places where road and footpath work is underway. To make matters worse, sand used in the construction is found scattered at a few places on roads. Be it Nigdi, Pradhikaran, Moshi, Tatawade, Poonawale, Chinchwad, Kasarwadi, Ravet or Dapodi, the situation is the same everywhere.
Pointing out the swift action of PCMC, city engineer Makrand Nikam said that they have filled up 83 per cent of over 1,800 potholes spotted during the survey. “In the next few days, we will fill up the remaining ones,” he said and added that they are also acting on the complaints received from residents.
However, activists and residents have slammed the PCMC over the poor quality of roads. “I don’t how despite spending crores of rupees on road construction and road repairs, the public continues to get potholed roads every monsoon. There is something seriously wrong with the way roads are constructed by the PCMC. It seems inefficient contractors are appointed,” said advocate Sushil Mancharkar, who has approached the state government over the issue.
The lawyer has said that the citizens have the right to know where their money is going and asked the government to inform why the roads continue to fall apart every year.
“Roads are the lifeline of a city. In a city like Pimpri-Chinchwad, which is witnessing rapid developments, it is a shame that officials have still not been able to get their act together. Where ever you travel in the city, potholes and craters are a common sight. The roads look as if they are set to fall apart any moment. Currently, it is raining lightly. Imagine what will happen during heavy rain and flooding.”
