‘Ghansoli potholes to be filled up in 5 days’

The NMMC has assured that potholes in Ghansoli node and village areas will be filled before Ganeshotsav. The assurance came following a meeting with a delegation of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. The party has threatened an agitation if the work is not completed in time.

A delegation led by Sandeep Galugade, the city MNS secretary met deputy municipal commissioner (Zone II) Amrish Patnigere and executive engineer Anil Nerpagar.

Galugade said, “The roads in Ghansoli nodal area and villages are in a bad shape. It is not clear whether there are potholes in roads or roads in potholes.”

He added, “There have been a number of accidents in the area and it could get worse during Ganeshotsav. Every year, we have to wake up the administration.”

Patnigere said, “The necessary files for the repair work have been cleared and work is currently on. Though Cidco has not yet transferred Ghansoli to us, we have got sanction for the repair work of roads there.”

Patnigere said, “Once the node is transferred to us, which should happen within a month, the problem will be solved permanently as we will then take long-term action.”

Galugade said, “We are hoping that the assurance given to us will be fulfilled. If it doesn’t, we will launch an agitation against the delay.”

Ahead of Ganeshotsav celebrations, the Navi Mumbai police will screen a documentary to educate mandal organisers on the safety of women, children and devotees.

The documentary will also give tips about the dos and don’ts in case of emergency.

“We are conducting meetings with different manadals and have sensitised them about the challenges they may face in those ten days,” said Dilip Sawant, deputy commissioner of police (crime).

“We are discussing various initiatives to be taken with the state anti-terrorism squad (ATS) to ensure a peaceful celebration in the city. Thankfully, unlike many other places of the state, Navi Mumbai has not witnessed communal tension,” he added.

The police are combing sensitive areas to keep a tab on miscreants. “We are keeping a close watch on those who created troubles in the previous celebrations. If need be, we will detain some people before and during the celebrations,” Sawant said.

Mandals have been asked to install CCTV cameras. If required, police will help organisers monitor them, an official said.

“We have asked them (mandals) to have separate rows for male and female devotees. They will have signboards to guide people if they spot some suspicious elements. Our bomb detection and disposal squad will be ready,” said Dhanraj Dayama, assistant commissioner of police.