Sattari Deputy Collector Laxmikant Kurtikar has directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to immediately remove potholes and obstructions on public roads across Sattari taluka before the onset of the monsoon.
He warned that any obstruction left on roads during the rainy season could lead to serious accidents and inconvenience to commuters. He also stated that regular follow-ups would be carried out regarding the matter.
With the monsoon approaching, all ongoing road works must be completed at the earliest, dug-up stretches should be properly filled, and special care must be taken to ensure that no obstruction hampers traffic movement, instructed the deputy collector.
He cautioned that failure to do so could create severe difficulties for the general public, motorists, and passengers during the rainy season. Considering the possibility of an increase in road accidents, special precautions have been ordered under the emergency management plan.
Recently, a meeting of officials from various departments was held under the emergency management committee. During the meeting, several instructions were issued to different departments, with immediate filling of road potholes being one of the key directives.
Over the past six months, roads in several villages of Sattari taluka have been dug up extensively for the laying of underground power cables. These works have reportedly led to multiple accidents and caused considerable hardship to local residents.
Although the issue has repeatedly been highlighted through media reports, the problem still persists in many places. In some areas, trenches have been filled, but proper asphalting has not yet been carried out. During the monsoon, waterlogging in these potholes could further increase the risk of accidents.
Kurtikar described the issue as extremely serious, especially for two-wheeler riders who are more vulnerable to accidents caused by potholes. He also pointed out that vehicles passing through water-filled potholes often splash muddy water on pedestrians and other motorists, creating additional inconvenience and danger.
Such seemingly minor issues can result in major consequences, he said, stressing the need for authorities to address the matter with urgency.
He instructed the PWD to ensure that all potholes and road obstructions are completely removed before the monsoon begins. Immediate filling and proper asphalting of remaining trenches and damaged stretches should also be undertaken without delay, he added.
