Commuters say Hans Bhugra Marg in Santacruz East has been reduced to a dust bowl due to construction work
Hans Bhugra Marg in Santacruz East, where construction work is causing dust pollution. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE
Commuters have raised concerns about dust from construction work at two spots at the western end of Hans Bhugra Marg in Santacruz East, stating that efforts by the civic authorities, such as watering the road, have yielded no change.
This newspaper contacted the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the H East ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to learn what dust control measures were being taken at the spot. Here are the responses:
When asked about the status of debris management and dust-control measures at the site, an MMRDA official said, "The location near the Vakola Nullah bridge (beyond SCLR ROW) and on the southern side of the A3 ramp of the Phase-1 site has been witnessing ongoing debris stacking, dumping, segregation, and removal activities for an extended period. This work, being undertaken by the BMC has witnessing to noticeable dust generation during daytime hours. BMC ward office staff and contractor have been instructed to ensure regular water spraying and to properly cover dumpers transporting debris to prevent spillage and airborne dust.
Under the turn of the bridge connecting SCLR, commuters have reported a large accumulation of rubble and dust, which reduces visibility and causes breathing discomfort when vehicles pass. When asked what is the status of this stretch, and what steps are being taken, MMRDA said, "The right-turn stretch below the bridge forms part of the ongoing development of the proposed 30-metre-wide road for commuter connectivity by MMRDA contractor. The civil work on this stretch is approximately 90 per cent completed and balance work will be completed by end of March. Debris removal and site cleaning are being carried out in a phased manner alongside the remaining finishing works by contractor. The accumulated rubble is being cleared progressively to ensure smoother vehicular movement. Additionally, regular water sprinkling is being undertaken on exposed soil and construction surfaces to prevent dust from rising when vehicles pass through the area. Once the balance work is completed, a final round of comprehensive debris clearance and surface finishing will be undertaken to ensure the stretch free from dust-related inconvenience."
What work is taking place?
>> The connector linking Bharat Nagar and the SCLR is being built
>> Concreting work between University Gate 1 and Bharat Nagar Road
>> Trucks have been seen approaching and exiting the area near Gate 2
>> Mud has been laid on the divider of Hans Bhugra Marg, beneath the SCLR
>> Pavement blocks occupy the footpath of the stretch
Citizens speak
Rahul Singh, who runs a roadside nursery
Authorities water the road, but that doesn’t change much. The water evaporates quickly, making the dust rise again. Every two days, I have to clean my plant pots because of the sheer amount of dust being kicked up. Wearing masks is suffocating, and not wearing them causes us to inhale dust
Chote Lal Yadav, taxi driver
Because my taxi is not air-conditioned, I have to keep the window open. However, dust enters our vehicles, and we breathe it in. If I keep the windows closed, the car is an oven on wheels. Every time I get passengers who want to go to South Mumbai, I am glad because it lets me get away from the dust on this road
1 km
Approximate length of Hans Bhugra Marg
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