A serious public safety hazard has emerged on the main road at Pimplamol-Shirvoi, under the jurisdiction of the Xeldem Panchayat, where ongoing underground electricity cable work has left deep trenches and open pits dangerously exposed.
The trenching work, part of a larger project to lay underground cables from Tilamol to Colomba, has severely narrowed the already tight bridge section at Pimplamol. Both sides of the road have been cut, reducing motorable space and creating a high-risk zone, especially for two-wheeler riders.
Locals report that the dug-up areas lack proper barricading or warning signage, with workers having placed dry branches and sticks as makeshift indicators. With no street lighting in the area, the trenches become virtually invisible at night, especially after recent rainfall, which has filled the pits with water, making them even more hazardous.
Residents fear that if immediate steps are not taken, a major accident or even loss of life could occur. “It’s a death trap after dark. Someone is bound to get seriously hurt if nothing is done,” said one concerned local.
• Immediate barricading or covering of all open trenches
• Installation of visible warning signage
• Completion of the work or temporary safety measures to ensure commuter protection
The residents are calling on the relevant authorities and contractors to act swiftly to secure the area before a preventable tragedy unfolds. As the monsoon intensifies, the urgency of resolving this hazard increases.
Deepti Naik, the local panch, states that she intends to bring this matter to the attention of the PWD to ensure that the local residents are not put at risk due to the negligent work carried out by the authorities.