CSMC to resume road widening on eight major city roads soon: Civic Chief

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Last year, in June and July, the municipal corporation carried out a large-scale road-widening drive across the city, during which more than 5,500 affected properties were demolished. To develop roads with a width of 200 feet, the civic body will require at least ₹3,000 crore, for which a demand for funds has already been submitted to the state government. Municipal Commissioner G Sreekanth has repeatedly stated that the road-widening drive has not been discontinued. On Monday, he announced that eight more roads will be widened.

As the municipal election process was underway, the administration had temporarily halted the road-widening drive. With the election process now complete and 115 corporators elected from 29 prabhags, the election for mayor and deputy mayor is scheduled to be held on February 10, next week. On Monday, the municipal commissioner held a review meeting with heads of various sections. The meeting was also attended by deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Pankaj Atulkar and Ratnakar Navale.

The road-widening drive on eight development plan (DP) roads in the city will commence shortly. As per the orders of the High Court, the campaign will be implemented by following the prescribed land acquisition procedure. Specific guidelines have been finalised for this purpose. Before initiating the widening work, a ‘total station’ survey (mapping of affected properties) will be conducted, notices will be issued to the affected property owners, and they will be given an opportunity to present their views. Prior to any action, the zonal officer, the inspector of the concerned police station and the DCP will jointly inspect the road. Once all three give their consent, the entire action will be video recorded.

Corporator’s membership to be cancelled if they intervene

If a corporator or their relatives obstruct the removal of encroachments, a recommendation will be made to cancel their membership under Section 1/10 (A) (D) of the Municipal Corporation Act. Action will be taken against unauthorised constructions, irrespective of who owns them.

Inform police 8 days in advance

DCPs Pankaj Atulkar and Ratnakar Navale stated that the municipal corporation should inform the police administration at least eight days in advance of the widening drive, so that adequate security arrangements can be planned.

Roads proposed for widening:

Champa Chowk to Jalna Road

Paithan Road to Law University

Delhi Gate to Harsul T-Point

Harsul T-Point to Sawangi

Seven Hills to Bhajiwali Bai Statue

Renukamata area, Satara

Kanchanwadi, Gut No. 42

Nakshatrawadi to Dhule–Solapur Highway