27 July,2010 09:20 AM IST | | Vivek Sabnis and Prashant Nawgrahe
Water-logging and traffic blocks are persistent problems on Baner road, making going to Aundh or University Road an ordeal for commuters
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Baner Road is one of the posh and busiest localities in the suburbs. The stretch leads to University road on one side and Aundh from the other and if you move straight it leads to Balewadi. After Hinjewadi, it's a hub for many IT and multi-national companies, who have their offices around this area.
During monsoon, water-logging and consequent traffic blocks are a common sight here. The innumerable potholes and the clogged water chambers have become an embarrassment and headache for residents and commuters alike.
The MiD DAY team along with Santosh Srikrushna Bandale, Deputy Engineer, PMC visited the various spots on this road and discussed the problems and possible solutions that would relieve residents and commuters.
Survey results and proposed solutions
ITI Road leading to Aundh
Problem: Travel through this road at any point of time during the day and you are sure to be caught in a traffic jam, thanks to the numerous potholes here.
The traffic police have a tough time managing the flow of vehicles, especially during monsoon. The corporation has neglected the road so far and has not taken measures to cover the holes before the monsoon arrived in the city.u00a0
PMC's promise: Santosh Srikrushna Bandale, Deputy Engineer, PMC along with his worker recommended that potholes should be patched to mitigate the problem temporarily. "We will first fill the holes with asphalt chips, let it settle for a couple of days and then even out the spots. That will take care of the condition for the time being," Bandale said. They said that a permanent solution would be possible only after the monsoon.
National Society, Baner Roadu00a0
Problem: There are around 20 water chambers on the entire stretch. About 90 per cent of these water chambers are clogged and rainwater is unable to reach the canals through them. So, the footpaths near National Society and other residential areas are often inundated during rains. Commuters waiting at the bus stop have to stand in the middle of this dirty water and they become easy targets for speeding vehicles that squirt water on them.
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PMC's promise: The PMC officials suggested that the only solution was to clean the chambers that were filled with mud. "We will immediately ask workers to clear the spots," an official said.
