PMC helps make bridge inaccessible during rains

Theu00a0civic body does not deem it necessary to complete a job half-done all because it's only a few families who will be at the receiving end. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) demolished the boundary wall of a small bridge and dug it further, reducing its original height, all to ensure the smooth flow of storm water from the nullah that flows below it. To top it, the PMC, who made the alterations to the original structure two months ago, has also left the manhole open and the underground electricity cables exposed. Because of the PMC's unfinished job, the bridge will, most probably than not, be submerged during rains, effectively cutting off from the city, the few families who live here.

Kuldeep Walia, a resident, said, "They should not have reduced the height. Nandkishore Pallod, on whose lands the bungalows have been built, had himself built the bridge. How can they expect the water to flow smoothly below the bridge by reducing its height? This defies all logic," said Walia. Another resident Namdeo Mahadik, said the exposed cables caused short circuit and a power outage when it rained two days ago. "We were without electricity for 18 hours and could not even step out. The PMC says it cannot incur extra expenditure for just a few families. Why are we paying taxes then?" asked Mahadik.

Jayant Bhosekar, the ward officer, said, "He should have left a considerable cross section below the bridge for the water to flow which he did not and so we had toResidents will face a problem only in an extreme situation and not otherwise. I have written to the MSEDCL to attend to the exposed wires."