Pune: Pimpri-Chinchwad Faces Severe Road Damage Due to Continuous Rainfall; 2003 Potholes Identified
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 27th July 2024: The continuous rainfall over the past four days has severely damaged internal roads, creating numerous potholes. A total of 2003 potholes were identified on various roads in the area, of which 1,580 have been filled. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) claims that only 423 potholes remain.
This year, the rains began at the end of June, and the city has been experiencing heavy downpours in recent days. This has led to potholes appearing on roads in areas such as Pimpri, Chinchwad, Nigdi, Bhosari, Navi Sangvi, old Sangvi, Wakad, Tathawade, Punawale, Thergaon, Chikhali, and Akurdi. By 13th July, 1,639 potholes had been identified, and an additional 364 were found by 22nd July. Of these, 1,011 potholes have been filled with asphalt and cold tar mix, 356 with gravel, 66 with paving blocks, and 147 with cement concrete. Despite the PCMC administration’s claim that only 423 potholes remain, potholes are still visible on many city roads.
Due to water accumulating in the potholes, drivers cannot anticipate their presence, leading to accidents as vehicles hit the potholes. This is particularly hazardous for bikers, who must navigate around the potholes, slowing down traffic. Gravel from the potholes further contributes to accidents.
Former corporator Amit Gawade criticized the PCMC administration for failing to fill the potholes before the monsoon and demanded immediate action. Asphalting during the rainy season is impractical, so potholes are temporarily filled with mud, gravel, and cement concrete. PCMC City Engineer Makarand Nikam stated that all potholes will be filled with asphalt once the monsoon ends.
Public representatives and officials often blame each other for the recurring pothole problem during the monsoon season. Driver Nitin Gawade suggested that holding everyone accountable, from the engineers who design the roads to the contractors who build them, might prevent future issues.
