Mumbai: The delay in the concretisation of dug-up roads in Colaba has led to mounting frustration among local residents. Former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar has now issued an ultimatum to the civic administration, demanding that the roads, currently excavated for concretisation, be either completed or restored by February 27. If the authorities fail to meet this deadline, Narwekar, along with the residents, has vowed to stage a dharna on the same roads that remain incomplete.
In a letter addressed to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Narwekar stated severe inconvenience faced by Colaba residents due to the ongoing road concretisation.
He said “The current condition of the dug-up roads is causing significant distress and disruption to daily life. Key roads, including 1st Pasta Lane and Windy Hall Lane, among others earmarked for concretisation, have remained incomplete for months. These roads are now nearly impassable, causing immense hardship for residents.”
Narwekar further stated, “If this issue remains unresolved by the given deadline, residents and elected representatives, including myself, will have no choice but to stage a dharna on the very roads mentioned above. This protest will serve to draw your attention to the pressing issue and ensure that immediate action is taken.”
In addition to this ultimatum, he raised concerns about a possible nexus between the BMC engineers and the contractor responsible for the roadworks. “While Executive Engineers have the authority to fine the contractor up to Rs. 50,000 for negligence in executing the roadworks, the penalties imposed on the contractor have been minimal. This raises suspicions of a possible nexus between the contractor and civic officials,” he remarked.
