Developmental disaster in Pardi due to ongoing multiple construction works
| Date :05-Feb-2020 |
By Sagar Mohod :
If at all someone desires to see for oneself how hell looks like, then one can safely recommend a visit to Pardi and surrounding area for the same. The unplanned execution of works in name of development continues to take physical and mental toll of not only residents but also those passing through the area. Entire topography of the area at present reveals as how best one can execute major public works in most haphazard manner.
For regular users using Pardi stretch, it is one of the sore points about which they have little clue, as such is the mess created all around the area. Of late the pace of construction of concrete road has gathered pace and it is now a source of big trouble. The stretch from Pardi till the end of proposed fly-over on Bhandara Road daily witnesses traffic snarls. From afternoon onwards long line of vehicles can be seen lined-up on either side of road putting users to major inconvenience. This is due to ongoing road construction work and also deployment of huge cranes to support the temporary structures of ongoing fly-over construction work.
At present the work on fly-over on Pardi stretch is on at snail’s pace while much of the bridge towards Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) stands completed. The project from start only was a disaster in making owing to last minute changes that widened the scope of project. First a fly-over was proposed from Pardi junction till Sant Tukaram Square on Bhandara Road, but later NHAI stepped in and added another component a railway overbridge (RoB) over crossing at Itwari-Nagbhid railway route. Also another fly-over was added from ahead of Lakadganj Police Station till Pardi. The specialty of mess does not end here, Maha Metro’s last station is also coming up at Pardi junction and till now barring erection of pillars not much progress is seen at the spot.
So from start due to whims and fancies of the powers that be the development agenda went off track and now a perennial source of trouble for commuters. Another source of trouble is gaps in newly constructed concrete road in front of Parampara lawn in Pardi area. The contractor has not yet affixed paver blocks at cross overs and at landing point thereby creating problems in smooth movement of traffic in the area. One of the busiest area and further movement of heavy vehicles, including trailers, the need was for planned and phased execution of work. But given the road roller style of working of planners and lack of concrete action on ground, situation like the one at Pardi gets created everywhere. Once a lively commercial and residential hub, Pardi and surrounding area closely resembles a war ravaged area as construction work is on since last two years at stretch.
The entire one to two sq.km area around Pardi junction is enveloped in thick dust and billowing smoke from passing vehicles which aggravates the situation further. Once a thriving business hub, the ongoing construction frenzy have ruined the businesses as not a single authority is willing to take steps to bring order. Chaos is buzz word at mention of Pardi to anyone visiting the area on regular basis. This is so as planners did not take into account the need of populace who would continue to use the road network for commuting to their work places and visiting market around.
The fly-over network is good for those who need to pass through without being bogged down by traffic snarls. Earlier on approach to Pardi one has to negotiate Vaishnodevi Square junction where also development has taken toll of public convenience. An overflowing drain on the main road is another eye sore that civic authorities have not yet come across. While huge pillars of Metro stand tall in a neat row, the condition of adjoining roads tells a story of neglect and uncaring attitude.