2 weeks Ago
Pune: The civic body has cleared funds of around Rs65 crore for road repairs and restorations ahead of the rainy season, which officials said are likely to gather pace now. The civic estimates committee on Monday approved the funds to ensure that these pre-monsoon repair works are completed by May 31. However, residents and activists highlighted that the road repairs should not be rushed and should be of good quality to survive the rains.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had last week claimed that it plans to provide pothole-free roads to commuters by carrying out micro-surfacing works on various stretches. According to PMC officials, a survey was conducted through the Road Asset Management System (RAMS) to study treatments needed on various roads before the monsoon. Based on this, roads covering approximately 50km were identified for preventive maintenance using low-cost treatments.
Overall, the civic body plans to spend Rs15 crore on this project alone. Vijay Kumbhar of citizens' group Surajya Sangharsha Samiti cautioned, "The civic administration issues tenders for pre-monsoon works and they get approved at very low rates. Poor quality materials are used for repairs of roads and other pre-monsoon works.
This affects the overall quality of the road, which leads to potholes." Many city residents said PMC must ensure good quality roads that last beyond the monsoon and remain in good condition all year round. Sinhagad Road resident Samir Paranjape told TOI, "Taxpayers' money is used to build the roads and for their repairs.
But we don't get good roads in return. It is nothing but wastage of public funds." Further, civic officials have revealed that post-monsoon several roads will be dug up under PMC limits.
This is because works like laying cables for a CCTV network for the police department and a data-sharing network for govt authorities are scheduled. Nearly Rs600 crore of taxpayers' money will be spent on these digging and restoration works..
