Citizens of Vasai-Virar have sent 1,097 photographs under the ‘selfie with potholes’ initiatives to the civic body. They complained that potholes continue to pose a challenge to them.
The residents of Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) claimed that potholes have made travel extremely risky as in the past 10 days at least 12 motorcycle riders and pedestrians have landed in hospitals after falling in potholes.
To deal with the pothole menace, the civic body started a WhatsApp service 7719050888 in the last week of July urging the citizens to send selfies and photographs with potholes along with the location.
According to the VVMC officials, the initiative has got good response. The WhatsApp number received selfies from various roads in Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar. Of the three areas, more than 50% of the photos they received since July 25 belong to several locations in Nallasopara, officials further stated.
VVMC have deployed two teams to repair the potholes. Till now at least 3,000 potholes have been filled with paver blocks, however, everyday new potholes crop up.
On the other hand, VVMC officials said that the rains last week were sudden and they were caught off-guard with the intensity of the rainfall. Officials also exclaimed that they intend to resolve the problem as soon as possible. They have begun addressing the problem as the rains have stopped briefly this week.
Taking this opportunity, Ravi Bhushan of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) travelled on various roads in the region clicking photos and selfies with potholes and sending them to the VVMC.
The bad condition of the roads is the result of shoddy work done by the contractors. The roads could not even withstand a few days of monsoon. The VVMC is responsible for awarding the construction of the roads to corrupt contractors, Bhushan said, adding that potholes can pose a risk to motorists if not repaired at the earliest.
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