Bridge over troubled waters!

Nozia Sayyed / TNN / Jun 29, 2007, 00:00 IST

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What is the official POA during the monsoons? PT reports.

What is the official POA during the monsoons? PT reports. What is the official POA during the monsoons? PT reports. What is the official POA during the monsoons? PT reports. What is the official POA during the monsoons? PT reports. The monsoons in the city haven't started off well. The news of 12 deaths turned into national headlines everywhere. However, the authorities seem to have geared up to deal with the days to come, which will be marked by more and more rains. And, one must add, difficult times for one and all.
Municipal Commissioner Pravinsinh Pardeshi says that every possible measure has been taken to ensure that people don't face hardships during the torrential rains. He adds that he has announced a few policy decisions to avoid tragedies like wall collapse and deluge. "PMC will take stringent action against the civic officials who had allowed constructions in the green belt. Two days back, 2,500 sq ft of illegal walls and small constructions were demolished," he explains.
As of now, however, some citizens are pretty worried. Deepa Pawar, a collegian, says, "Every year, our city officials promise us roads without potholes, and to deal with encroachments with a firm hand. But this year, I have not seen anything like that since the monsoon has started."
Arjun Shinde, a software professional who stays in Mundhwa, says that the condition of the roads has worsened. He insists that accidents due to bad roads and potholes have increased on Mundhwa-Koregaon Park road. "This needs to be improved. It seems like we live in a village," he maintains.

Like Pardeshi, Police Commissioner Jayant Umranikar, too, says that "we are fully prepared for the monsoons." "In case of floods or any emergency, police officials have been informed to evacuate people. Also, traffic officials are deputed at every chowk in the city to ensure there are no traffic jams."
Besides, Umranikar informs that other plans too are afoot. "We are training our officials under Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) for disaster management in the city. Similarly, local architects have been asked to check the vicinity, and also the natural paths on the country side."

Umranikar also advises the citizens to keep an eye on criminals, since crimes tend to increase during this season. "One must keep a check on one's doors. One should always check one's vehicle and fuel, so that high rains won't cause any unwanted difficulties."
The moral: one needs to be prepared for monsoons in the best way possible. And, that doesn't begin and end with carrying raincoats.
(nozia.sayyed@timesgroup.com)

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