PONDA: It has been a while since the roadsides of several villages in the Ponda Taluka were excavated for the laying of underground power cables, severely impacting traffic flow and posing dangers to pedestrians. And, with the monsoon approaching, the ground reality not only remains the same but has also come in the way of annual pre-monsoon preparation schedules.
As per the rules in force, the agencies concerned must commence digging work before May 15 each year and restore the area by the month-end, in time for the monsoon that usually arrives by the first week of June. But in Ponda, the contractor concerned has failed to meet this criteria, which means that many areas continue to be dotted by open trenches that are one metre deep and one foot wide, stoking fears that they will inundate the roads with slush in case pre-monsoon showers hit the State.
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“We fail to understand the need for digging roads in the taluka when the monsoon is just round the corner. The dug-up stretches are certain to cause more damage as they may collapse during the rains,” said Ponda resident Viraj Sapre, while adding that “the officials involved do not seem to be applying their mind and are not even seen inspecting the work”.
Already water supply lines have been damaged in some parts due to haphazard digging. We are certain to face many more hardships during the monsoon, Sapre added.
