Team Herald
PONDA: Anxious that a water supply valve that sticks out of the ground on the side of the road at the busy Opa Junction will lead to accidents, the villagers of Khandepar have demanded that the authorities build proper chambers to protect them.
Two days ago, there was a water shortage at Khandepar after a heavy vehicle ran over a similar valve located above the ground level. Hundreds of litres of water flowed to waste from the damaged pipeline.
Local resident Sandeep Parkar said the sluice valve has been left exposed within the shoulder area of the National Highway at Opa. “As per the norms, such valves should be placed in chambers and should be at least one meter below the ground, within a concrete structure protecting it from all four sides,” he said.
“In its current location, the valve is an accident hazard if a vehicle veers off the road, and also also inconveniences pedestrians and school students who use the road. In case a vehicle runs into it, it will damage the water pipeline and result in water shortage across the area,” he added. The locals called on the PWD to adopt safety measures immediately.
