Maharashtra: Clear roads of potholes before Ganesh festivities, says KDMC chief
The Kalyan Dombivili Municipal Corporation (KDMC) chief Bhausaheb Dangde on Sunday directed officials and contractors to ensure roads in the region are pothole-free before Ganesh festivities, reported the PTI on Sunday.
Ganesh Chaturthi is on September 19 and Anant Chatudashi is on September 28.
Speaking after inspecting the area, he said fines will be imposed if work on such roads is found to be deficient, according to the PTI.
Rains have damaged roads and contractors have been asked to use tar, cold mix and paver blocks to rectify them and provide relief to people, he told reporters.
He also informed that KDMC in Maharashtra recently fined a contractor Rs 50,000 as his workers were not wearing safety jackets with the civic body`s logo on it.
Meanwhile, a unique exhibition showcasing road pothole art, created by officials and contractors of the Vasai-Mumbai Ahmedabad National Highway, was organised by the Bhumiputra Foundation at Sasunavghar. The exhibition aimed to draw attention to the deplorable condition of the highway this year, with large potholes plaguing the stretch from Manor to Dahisar check post, and even on the newly constructed new Versova bridge.
The National Highway Authority has always claimed to be addressing the issue of potholes on this highway.
To express the frustration of motorists, local citizens, and the National Highway Authority, the Bhumiputra Foundation decided to hold a photo exhibition featuring various highway potholes. The artworks displayed in the exhibition showcased the pits that the officials themselves have failed to fix.
In attendance at the event were notable figures, including National Highway Authority Technical Advisor Sumeet Kumar, Traffic Police Inspector Sagar Ingole, and Naigaon Police Station Senior Police Inspector Ramesh Bhame. The organizers aimed to highlight the negligence and lack of action towards fixing the road conditions.
Concerns were raised that the poor condition of the highway has prompted some local citizens to contemplate blocking the road as a form of protest. However, the police intervened and assured the locals that necessary action will be taken against the pothole-filling contractors.
(with PTI inputs)