Team Herald
PONDA: The Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) has resolved to clear encroachments by shopowners in the internal nullah at Ponda, aiming to restore its original width of 2.5 metres. The nullah, which connects to the main Ponda nullah, has been narrowed to approximately 1.5 metres due to encroachments by shops in the Dada Vaidya Chowk and Old Bus Stand area.
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The narrowing of the nullah has resulted in frequent overflows during the monsoon season, leading to flooding in the Old Bus Stand area for the past decade. While the Water Resources Department (WRD) had previously attempted to address the issue, the presence of encroachments posed a significant challenge. Consequently, the PMC has now instructed the shop owners to remove their encroachments to facilitate the nullah’s widening.
A meeting, chaired by Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, was held with the shop owners whose establishments are located along the nullah, alongwith PMC Chairperson Anand Naik and the Chief Officer.
Minister Ravi Naik stated that the WRD would undertake the work to restore the nullah to its original width of 2.5 metres, as per the approved plan. Additionally, the height of the culvert will be increased to ensure smooth water flow. “Shop owners who have encroached on the nullah will be asked to remove their encroachments so the nullah can be widened to its original size,” he emphasised.
Bharat Purohit, representing the 20 shop owners affected by the decision, expressed their willingness to cooperate. “We have no objection to the construction of a retaining wall by the WRD,” he said, adding that the shop owners have requested that the PMC and WRD build a proper retaining wall to ensure the safety of their shops.
