BMC Issues Rules As Pothole Kills Two Bikers
A couple have died due to potholes, after which the BMC has introduced a fine on ganesh mandaps causing potholes.
Rains resulting in bad roads and potholes is not a new story, however the question of whom we should blame for the bad quality roads is still unanswered. In another extremely sad incident reported from Mumbai, Maharashtra, a couple have died due to potholes on the Mumbai Western Express Highway. The bike rider and his wife, who was sitting behind as a pillion, were wearing helmets while travelling from Bandra died after they encountered potholes in the Borivali area. They fell off the bike after their two-wheeler ran over a pothole which resulted in a fall after which a truck which was just a few metres behind ran them over.
They were admitted to the Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali, but sadly, both of them were declared dead in the hospital. The truck driver was arrested and booked under the various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, his arrest seems not to be justified because of the poor road conditions which should be blamed instead. Not just that, there are more than 15-20 potholes on the bridge, which is a major link to South Mumbai . Unofficial estimates claim that there are over 25000 potholes on roads across Mumbai.
Now after this sad incident, The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to impose a fine of Rs 2000 on the organisers of the Ganapati mandals in Mumbai for each pothole if it is caused while erecting the mandap. A team of officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is also designated to check if the roads are damaged while setting up the Ganapati mandals or during the procession.The new direction from the civic authorities came after growing complaints about potholes in the city. The Ganeshotsav organisers, meanwhile, said that they have taken maximum measures to ensure that no road is damaged for the mandap. The latest guidelines also limit the height of the mandals to 30 feet and those higher than 25 feet shall submit the mandap construction report to the municipality. The BMC also directs that the mandals should leave enough space for pedestrians to walk and should ensure a way for commuters and vehicles near railway stations, bus stops, and auto and taxi stands. However, the government had lifted all covid-related restrictions, allowing people to celebrate the Ganeshotsav.
What do you think about this? Do mention your thoughts in the comment section below.
