Ensure damage doesn’t occur during redevelopment

The point from where heavy vehicles venture onto the Development Plan road in Sion

Residents of GTB Nagar in Sion have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of a narrow Development Plan (DP) road, allegedly damaged due to the ongoing redevelopment work on two plots, numbered 88 and 89, at CGS Colony. The road, which serves as a crucial access route to the nearby Railway station and is extensively used by school-going children and residents, has suffered considerable damage from the continuous movement of heavy construction vehicles.

The developer has been transporting construction materials and machinery in large trucks via the DP road daily, resulting in deep potholes, uneven surfaces, and dust pollution, which makes the road unsafe, according to residents. Even underground water pipelines have been destroyed, resulting in water flowing on the road, making the stretch muddy and difficult to walk on.

Engineers or experts must always be brought on board to ensure that roads are not damaged by ongoing redevelopment work. Almost half of the city is witnessing redevelopment; if roads are damaged during work, soon enough, we will have no roads at all.

First of all, we need to repair water pipelines if they are substantially damaged, as there is a colossal loss of water, besides a slick, dangerous surface.

Then, there must be strict regulation of heavy vehicles accessing that road. A time bracket may work too, so that the rest of the time, people are free to use that road in relative safety. Signage and good lighting, especially late in the evenings, are a must.

We simply cannot excuse this kind of ‘collateral damage' everywhere, citing redevelopment as an excuse. Extremely careful planning, respect for citizens, and ensuring no harm to vital pedestrian infrastructure are crucial.