PONDA: The roads condition in Ponda Taluka have become a serious concern for both motorists and pedestrians, especially during heavy rain.
Unlevelled sewage chambers, craters, trenches, and potholes have turned the roads into death traps, causing accidents and injuries to bikers in particular. With almost six inches of rainfall recorded so far, the problem has escalated and the hazardous road conditions are becoming more perilous by the day.
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Locals in Ponda, Curti, Kavlem, and Bandora reported that the roads have been repeatedly dug up for both sewerage network and underground power cabling projects. However, due to pending work and delays in completing the projects, many of these roads have not been hot-mixed, worsening the road conditions.
The recent heavy rainfall has worsened the situation, causing potholes, trenches, and craters to grow in size, posing serious risks to vehicles, pedestrians, and especially bikers. Many bike riders have already suffered injuries after falling into these dangerous road hazards. Even crossroads dug for trenches, to accommodate underground cables, present additional risks.
While some temporary repairs have been carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) at certain locations, many roads remain in terrible shape. Craters near Maruti Temple and a sewage chamber near the municipality garden in Ponda have been particularly problematic, repeatedly developing gaps and potholes, despite previous attempts at repair.
The gaps and craters on the roads are especially hazardous in both municipal and panchayats areas throughout the taluka. Locals are urgently calling on the authorities to conduct a thorough inspection of the roads and carry out immediate repairs.
After the rain, these road hazards often fill with muddy water, making them even harder to spot for motorists.
With the safety of commuters at risk, prompt action is necessary to address the road conditions in Ponda Taluka and prevent further accidents and injuries.
