Chandni Chowk turns into dust bowl due to infrastructure works in Pune

PUNE: Bavdhan resident Rupali Baijal travels through Chandni Chowk every day. Her commute has always been a nightmare because of heavy traffic, but it has also become a health hazard now due to an infrastructure project.
The overpass was demolished in October to resolve traffic congestion and accelerate a flyover project. But two months on, the work to remove debris and blast rocks from both sides is still underway and generates large quantities of dust through the day.
Commuters say travelling on this stretch, especially on a two-wheeler, leaves them choking.Though the traffic situation has become marginally better, there is a greater chance of accidents as visibility is often poor due to the dust generated, they say.
Those living near Chandni Chowk are also suffering and complain of heavy dust that cakes windows and leads to throat infections or other health issues.
Swapnil Gaur, a resident of La Valley Casa society in Bavdhan, told TOI: "After the demolition of the bridge, the flyover work has gained momentum. But due to constant drilling into the rocks, we have been facing a major issue of dust. We cannot even open the windows of our flat."
Another resident of the building has a different issue. "Our domestic help has asked us to increase her salary as she has to do dusting twice, or sometimes even thrice, a day," he said.
An official with the Pune division of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said blasting of rocks at Chandni Chowk, which is the main cause of dust, was in its last phase. "If dust is causing problems, we will inform the contractor and ask him to take some steps to control it," the official said, adding that most of the work has already been completed. "Only blasting works for four to five more days remain, and we will try to expedite it."
He added that officials will come up with ways to manage the situation. "Since it is an active construction site, dust will be there but then steps will be taken to control it," the official added.
Moreshwar Ghaisas, the head of Ved Bhavan institute, said its students have also been affected. "The blasting for the road construction takes place during the day and at night. It is a nuisance. Students in the institute have breathing and coughing problems due to dust. It seems there is no proper planning - even if you step out for five minutes, dust accumulates on your body," he said.
Ragini Jadhav, who travels from Katraj to Bavdhan for work, said: "Every day after work, I need to wait for a long time at Chandni Chowk to catch a bus. Many people like me stand here. All of us have to suffer due to dust, traffic and noise."
Following the demolition of the overpass, several earthmovers and trucks were pressed into action to bring down remaining hanging structures and lift away the debris. Several other small blasts were also carried out over the next few days to get rid of the side rocks of the bridge. Around 600kg of explosives were used to execute the controlled blast. The overpass was razed down for the Chandni Chowk development project, which is aimed at improving the traffic situation at the key junction. A multi-level flyover will come up at the spot.
(With inputs from Mihir Tanksale and Joy Sengupta)