In a move that appears to contradict the police commissioner's directives, the Pachpaoli police in Nagpur have registered an offence solely against a water tanker driver following a fatal accident at a construction site, leaving the contractor untouched. This comes despite clear instructions from City Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal to hold contractors accountable for accidents at their sites.
Details of the Fatal Incident and Police Action
The tragic event occurred on the stretch between Kadbi Chowk and the Pachpaoli railway crossing, near the ongoing Indora-Dighori flyover construction project. A 55-year-old man, riding pillion on a two-wheeler, lost his life when a water tanker, allegedly rushing to sprinkle water for dust control at the NHAI site, crushed him while reversing without any assistance. Eyewitnesses described a scene of horror as locals rushed to help, but were unable to save the victim.
However, the police have registered a case only against the tanker driver for causing death due to negligence, which is a bailable offence. The contractor responsible for the site has not been named in the FIR, a decision that has raised eyebrows given the CP's explicit orders.
Residents Describe a Perilous Daily Reality
Local residents have expressed anger and fear, stating that the accident was a disaster waiting to happen. They allege that neither the Pachpaoli police nor the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented any meaningful safety measures to secure the area.
Heavy machinery like JCBs and bulldozers frequently encroach onto footpaths, forcing pedestrians onto the road where trucks and tankers speed by. "A yellow JCB backhoe loader today moved perilously close to the footpath, its massive bucket was merely inches from where the pedestrians tread," shared one resident.
The situation remains chaotic even 24 hours after the accident. Unregulated two-way traffic flows on the narrow stretch near the Pachpaoli police station, with potholes and puddles left unattended. No traffic wardens are deployed, and additional barricades are absent. Parked auto-rickshaws and slow e-rickshaws further clog the hazardous corridor.
Business as Usual Amidst Demands for Action
Residents report no change in conditions post-accident. "We expected some caution after the fatal accident, but it's business as usual here on the road," lamented a local. While the tree guard, which NHAI officials initially blamed for the accident, has been removed, the sidewalk remains cluttered with litter and overgrown weeds.
The dangers are multifaceted. Families on scooters navigate multiple potholes, while dust from the site causes health issues and potholes damage vehicles. Road safety experts and residents are now demanding urgent intervention, including:
- Deployment of traffic police to manage chaos.
- Strict enforcement of regulations for construction vehicles.
- Proper dust mitigation measures.
- Creation of temporary safe pedestrian pathways.
In response to the growing concerns, NHAI officials have acknowledged the issues and promised a "review." However, for the residents of Pachpaoli, concrete action cannot come soon enough, as they fear more accidents are inevitable if the current neglect persists.
