Freshly Paved Road from Tilak Smarak to Peru Gate Dug Up Again Within Days, Activists Demand Accountability and Coordination
In a frustrating turn of events for Pune residents, the freshly resurfaced road from Tilak Smarak Mandir to Perugate has been dug up again, causing inconvenience and highlighting a lack of coordination among authorities. The road, which was paved on March 11, saw Mahavitaran Company granted permission to excavate just four days later, sparking outrage among citizens.
Vivek Velankar, President of Sajag Nagrik Manch, expressed dismay over the situation, emphasizing the absence of coordination between municipal departments. He pointed out that such incidents not only waste taxpayers’ money but also disrupt daily life for residents. Calls for the implementation of a one-road-one-unit scheme to prevent such chaos have been ignored for years.
The issue gained further attention when a concerned citizen took to social media to highlight the absurdity of the situation. The swift deterioration of a road that should have remained intact for years reflects poorly on the efficiency and communication within the municipal system.
Terms and conditions outlined for road digging work by the Pune Municipal Corporation:
- Excavation Guide Book: Excavating companies must adhere to all provisions outlined in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Excavation Guide Book, available from the Roads Department.
- Consultation with Road Engineer: After obtaining digging permission, companies must consult with the engineer of the concerned road department and commence cable/pipe laying work as per their suggestions.
- No Alteration in Excavation Parameters: The length, start and end locations, as well as start and end dates of excavation, should not be altered under any circumstances. Changes to these parameters may be made at the discretion of the Superintending Engineer.
- Coordination Among Companies: If multiple companies are excavating on the same road, they must collaborate and agree on a unified plan for laying cables simultaneously.
- Prohibition of Main Road Excavation: Excavation of the main part of the road (Carriageway) should be avoided if possible. If necessary, excavation along the side of the pavement is permitted with approval from Pune Municipal Engineers.
- Safety Measures: Prior to excavation, the area must be secured with barricades and warning tapes. Safety measures, including radium reflectors and adequate lighting, should be implemented to prevent accidents, with the responsibility falling on the excavation companies.
- Information Display: Excavation companies are required to install work information boards at the beginning and end of the excavation site, covering up to 100 meters.
- Traffic Management: Adequate security guards and wardens should be appointed for traffic planning wherever necessary to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists.
- Drainage Protection: Covers on road rain nets and drains must be properly secured to prevent excavated soil from entering them.
- Progress Reporting: The Site Incharge/Engineer from excavation companies must submit weekly work progress reports to the Pune Municipal Corporation.
- Use of Iron Plates: Iron plates should be utilized for road crossings and in front of property holders’ gates as required to maintain safety standards.
- Night Excavation Protocol: Radium reflectors and safety lights should be installed along the entire length of excavation if work extends into nighttime hours.
- Sequential Excavation: If excavation permission exceeds 100 meters, the digger should undertake excavation in segments of up to 100 meters at a time. Once each segment is completed, roads must be cleared and opened for traffic before proceeding with the next segment.
- Debris Disposal Responsibility: Excavation companies are responsible for the proper disposal of all debris generated during the excavation process.
