Nashik civic body to conduct survey of risky roadside wells

Nashik: Nashik municipal corporation to survey and secure dangerous roadside wellsThe civic body has decided to conduct a comprehensive survey across the city to identify dangerous roadside wells after nine members of a family died when their car plunged into an open well in the Dindori taluka earlier this month.The survey is being carried out by the public works department (PWD) of Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC). Acting on the instructions of municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri, the PWD began the exercise to assess the condition of wells located along roads within the city limits. The objective is to identify wells that pose a threat to motorists and pedestrians, and take preventive measures to avert accidents in the future.City engineer Sanjay Agrawal has instructed all PWD engineers to carry out the survey in their respective jurisdictions and submit reports on the presence of unsafe wells along roads. Officials have been asked to ensure that no hazardous wells remain uncovered or unprotected, particularly in areas with vehicular traffic.NMC officials said that once such risky roadside wells are identified, steps will be taken to fill them up or secure them appropriately to eliminate any danger. The civic body is also expected to assess whether protective measures, like fencing or covering, are needed at certain locations.The move follows strong directions from Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan, who immediately visited the accident site in Dindori after the accident. Taking serious cognisance of the tragedy, Mahajan instructed all authorities concerned to conduct surveys to identify dangerous roadside wells and ensure that they are either filled or safeguarded.Officials said the Dindori accident highlighted the risks posed by unattended and uncovered wells along roads, especially during night hours. The NMC's survey forms part of a broader effort to improve road safety and address infrastructure-related hazards in the city.The civic administration said the survey will be completed on priority, and remedial action will be taken without delay wherever risks are identified.