Citygritty — Pune

After the fallThere are visible signs of demolition - the rubble, the torn-down corrugated sheets, the sun umbrellas and other stuff lyin...

After the fall
There are visible signs of demolition – the rubble, the torn-down corrugated sheets, the sun umbrellas and other stuff lying by the side. But other than these tell-tale traces that invite a second glance, life on Jungli Maharaj Road whizzes past, post -Bhatia whirlwind.

The summer heat is still getting to people, and they continue to wind their way to ice-cream parlours, even if it means that grannies with kids in tow have to clamber over the cement and bricks collected right at the doorstep of the ice-cream shop. Yes, it’s back to business even for those whose structures were demolished, though some do point out that things are going to be slightly slow.

Right now, all the owners are busy clearing up their premises. For the youngsters, Jungli Maharaj Road may no longer be a cool place to hang out at! As they look around for newer addas, some other citizens, who were deterred by the lack of walking space, venture back onto this once-upon-a-time walker’s paradise.

Man about town
After razing down unauthorised structures on the Jungli Maharaj Road on March 10, it was the turn of Holiday Inn the next morning. And the man behind these demolitions, Arun Bhatia, who took over the municipal commissioner’s chair a few days back, has created a scare amongst offenders as he has begun demolishing illegal structures in dead earnest, structures that obstruct off-street parking .

His list of offenders is long and comprehensive, which he intends to pursue with much determination and enthusiasm. Dressed in a white pyjama-kurta, he just has no time for any other subject other than demolitions! He enters his office, asks his city engineer about the March 11 operations, and congratulates him, “Good, an excellent job!”

He wanted to demolish the Fergusson College Road encroachments on March 11, he says, but couldn’t, due to a small demolition squad. He asks for details of some other properties and then dashes out of his office in pursuit of his goal. Comes back again after a couple of hours to his chamber, again patting one of his officers for his efficiency. But what happens to the open space now? Will the encroachers get bold again? No, he assures. A permanent solution to this is on the anvil, he says. Times, they are a rockin’IT’S back! The good old Friday Nite Live (FNL) shows at Jaws are back. About time, too, with the open-air joint just right for some straight rock n’ roll. And performing this Friday is local band Switch. The opening night is dedicated to Deep Purple and Guns n’ Roses and entry is free. Just bite into a burger or grab a drink and listen to some guitar grooves and Switch’s versatile vocalist. According to the organisers, talks are on with other bands – like Agni, Airwave and the Strangers – to showcase their talent. Looks like things can only get better. Rock on!