Ready to tackle potholes in city: BMC

Mumbai: The BMC has informed the Bombay high court that it is ready to tackle the problem of potholes in Mumbai. In its recent affidavit, it stated that all preparation has been done to tackle the issue of potholes. Electronic sign boards and moving sign boards will be set up where potholes are more in number.

The civic body also stated that ambulances will stand near accident-prone areas so immediate medical attention can be given to patients. The BMC also assured that this year, it would use the cold mixture method to fill up potholes.

A division bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice N.M. Jamdar was hearing a bunch of petitions pertaining to potholes. The court also took suo moto cognisance after Justice Gautam Patel wrote a letter to the Chief Justice complaining about pothole-ridden roads.

The court from time to time has given various directions to the BMC and other municipal corporations to resolve the issue of potholes.

The affidavit recently filed by the BMC stated steps taken to fill up potholes. The affidavit stated that the corporation would use modern technology for the same. It said that throughout the year, the corporation worked hard to fill up potholes but in the monsoon, the situation went out of control and the number increased.

This year therefore, the corporation would use Google maps and satellite imaging systems to locate potholes so that instructions could be issued as stated in the affidavit. The BMC has created a separate toll-free number at 1800221293 for citizens to call the ambulance if an accident takes place.

Affidavit stated that corporators and ward officers can also register complaints and it would be registered at BMC website and MCGM 24x7 mobile app. Corporation stated in the affidavit that all the 24 ward of BMC extra engineers are deployed to look after the issue and they all are given WhatsApp numbers to attend complaints. It also assured that all the complaints will be responded within 48 hours of the complaint.