A short spell of rain on Saturday turned several internal roads in ward 5 of the Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat into muddy stretches, causing significant distress among residents. The ward is represented by vice-president Naresh Bhoyar. Commuters were left frustrated as the roads became nearly non-motorable, with two-wheelers getting stuck in the sludge.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Recurring Problem
Locals from Shri Sai Nagari and nearby areas alleged that even 15 to 20 minutes of rain is sufficient to transform the roads into a slushy route, making daily commuting a nightmare. Several vehicles got trapped in the mud, requiring three to four people to pull them free. The situation has sparked fears ahead of the monsoon season, with residents worried that conditions could worsen once heavy rains begin. They also claimed that the issue has persisted for years despite repeated complaints to authorities, and that elected representatives have failed to provide a permanent solution.
Underground Drainage Project Blamed
The problem is linked to an underground drainage project that has been underway in the area for the past two months. To facilitate the laying of drainage pipelines, roads across parts of Shri Sai Nagari were excavated using heavy machinery. However, residents alleged that after the pipelines were laid, no proper road restoration work was carried out. The loose soil has now turned into thick sludge after the rain, disrupting the movement of both vehicles and pedestrians. Some motorists reportedly struggled for hours to move their vehicles before eventually abandoning them on the road. The condition has made access to homes difficult and raised concerns about emergency services reaching the locality during heavy rains.
Official Response
Vice-president Naresh Bhoyar stated that the issue stems from drainage works being undertaken by the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA). He said, "This is not limited to my ward alone. NMRDA has dug up roads across Besa-Pipla for the drainage project. This is a major drainage chamber work and could not be avoided. I have instructed NMRDA officials to remove the sludge and ensure temporary repairs using gravel and bitumen so that residents do not face severe inconvenience during monsoon."
