WEDNESDAY, JULY 03, 2024
Team Herald
PONDA: The main road junction in Bethora has become a significant hazard for local residents due to the formation of large potholes on the stretch.
According to locals, the recent road widening at the main junction has exacerbated the problem, as water from the surrounding areas accumulates at the junction. This accumulation creates a dangerous situation for both pedestrians and vehicles. Naresh Naik, a frequent commuter, highlighted that the four-lane widening project has made it challenging for people to cross the junction safely, leading to demands for an underpass to improve safety.
Bethora is not the only area affected by potholes; similar issues plague various parts of Ponda, including Curti and Bandora. The situation has worsened due to the road being dug up for underground cabling, which has left the road surface uneven and hazardous. The lack of a proper drainage system causes water to flow onto the main road, adding to the difficulties faced by pedestrians and drivers alike.
The problem is particularly severe at Daag, where a portion of the road has caved in, necessitating the placement of barricades. Every day, hundreds of commuters and workers travel towards the Industrial Estate, but the huge potholes filled with rainwater pose a significant risk of accidents. Notably, one of the potholes is located at the same spot where a labourer tragically died after falling into an open Public Works Department (PWD) chamber.
Locals have urged the authorities to implement effective measures to drain the accumulated rainwater at various spots along the road. Bike riders are struggling to navigate through the potholes.
