Team Herald
PONDA: Haphazard parking of heavy vehicles along the Bethora bypass junction has turned the area into an accident-prone zone. Free movement of stray cattle is adding to the woes, as senior citizens and women find it difficult to navigate through the busy and garbage prone area.
Bethora being an industrial estate witnesses the presence of trucks and other heavy vehicles carrying raw material from other States and also transportation of finished products to various destinations. However, absence of a truck terminal, forces the drivers to park their vehicles on the Bethora bypass. While drivers take a quick nap, their helpers are often seen cooking food in the open using gas cylinders. The waste is thrown in the open attracting stray cattle and dogs. The area is also used to throw garbage by vehicles passing by, thus making the spot prone to health hazards.
The parking of heavy vehicles has turned many areas into blind spots, causing risk to two-wheeler riders.
Several demands were made during the gram sabhas to take action against the haphazard parking. Officials from the Transport Department have failed to act despite several requests made to them.
A Police Sub Inspector was killed in an accident while discharging his duties here, and minor accidents have continued since then.
The local pedestrians from Kajarwada and Bonbag use this path, however, women have expressed fear as the stretch is frequented by truck drivers and their assistants, who are mostly from the other States.
Several heavy vehicles were parked on the Curti bypass earlier. However, after a fatal accident, and due to strong objection from locals, the truck drivers have shifted to Bethora bypass road to park their heavy vehicles.
