PUNE: Uneven and sunken manhole covers misaligned with the surface on Prabhat Road were obstructing vehicular movement and leading to mishaps while posing a risk, said residents, commuters and local activists.
The road was resurfaced last month after laying the drainage line, but manhole lids were not fixed properly, said activist Sunil Pande.
A woman was injured in a mishap on Friday due to an uneven manhole lid prompting Pande and local BJP workers to hold an agitation.
He said they had approached the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) road department on Friday evening demanding urgent inspections and repairs. The officials later visited the site.
"There are over 20 manhole covers there in need of inspection. We have given a deadline of the next four days for repairs to be completed. Otherwise we will plan a agitation at PMC's head office. Officials have assured the repairs will be done," Pande said.
BJP MLA Siddharth Shirole, who held talks with the agitators, said he had urged PMC authorities to take corrective measures by next week. "I told officials to conduct a check of all manhole lids on Prabhat Road. We will not tolerate haphazard works. We have received feedback from people that lids are not aligned with the road surface causing problems for riders and road users. PMC's road department and drainage department are involved in the activity and we have requested both the departments to work in coordination," he said.
Suresh Joshi, who often travels on the Prabhat Road, said officials should conduct inspection and rectify the problem immediately. "Measures must be taken at the earliest to avoid deterioration of the road. The repairs will benefit thousands of travellers as the thoroughfare is a busy one connecting Law College Road and Karve Road", he said.
PMC officials said they would inspect the manholes and take up repairs.
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