In the wake of a tragic incident in Mumbai, a prominent legislator in Pune has raised urgent concerns about construction safety, demanding comprehensive audits for major infrastructure projects in the city. Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole has called for a detailed structural and on-site safety review of the under-construction multi-level University Chowk flyover and the Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi Metro corridor, highlighting potential risks to public safety.
Background: Mumbai Metro Collapse Sparks Alarm
This call to action comes just days after a deadly collapse on February 14 in Mumbai, where a parapet segment from the under-construction Metro Line 4 viaduct fell onto moving vehicles on LBS Road in Mulund (West). The incident, which occurred around 12:20 PM, involved a concrete piece measuring approximately 6x4 feet, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The slab struck an autorickshaw and a car, underscoring the severe dangers posed by falling debris from construction sites.
MLA's Formal Request to Authorities
On Monday, MLA Siddharth Shirole formally wrote to Yogesh Mhase, the commissioner of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), flagging multiple hazards at project sites. In his communication, Shirole emphasized the need to identify and rectify unsafe construction practices promptly. He specifically pointed out risks such as unsecured materials, exposed structural elements, overhead components, and accumulated debris that could lead to accidents.
"The focus must be on identifying and immediately rectifying any unsafe construction practices, including loosely secured materials, exposed structural elements, improperly stored equipment, or overhead components that pose a risk of falling and causing serious damage to vehicles or loss of life," Shirole stated in an interview with TOI.
Key Demands for Enhanced Safety Measures
The MLA outlined several critical steps for PMRDA to undertake, including:
- Identifying accident-prone stretches along construction zones.
- Verifying structural stability and compliance with established engineering standards.
- Inspecting temporary arrangements like scaffolding and barricading for robustness.
- Immediately addressing unsafe conditions that could result in falling objects or loss of life.
Additionally, Shirole urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and local authorities to take swift action in clearing debris, removing unused construction materials, and filling barricading gaps. He stressed the importance of ensuring adequate signage and protective measures around construction areas to safeguard citizens.
"Roads around project sites must remain safe for citizens at all times," he asserted, reinforcing the principle that public safety should never be compromised, even amid essential infrastructure development.
Accountability and Ongoing Monitoring
Emphasizing accountability, Shirole highlighted that while infrastructure growth is vital, it must not come at the cost of human lives. He committed to closely monitoring the situation until visible corrective actions are implemented on the ground. "I will continue to closely monitor this issue until visible corrective action is taken on the ground," he declared, adding that he has requested an early compliance report from PMRDA to ensure transparency and progress.
PMRDA's Response and Project Delays
In response to these concerns, PMRDA officials informed TOI that they are exercising caution, particularly regarding the Baner ramp stretch of the flyover, which was initially scheduled to open last week. A senior PMRDA official explained, "We have to check the durability factor of the ramp, and unless we are satisfied, we will not be opening the Baner stretch yet." This stretch has faced multiple rescheduling of its opening dates, reflecting the authority's heightened focus on safety checks and quality assurance in light of recent events.
The push for safety audits in Pune follows a pattern of increased vigilance after the Mumbai tragedy, aiming to prevent similar incidents and ensure that infrastructure projects proceed without endangering public welfare. As development continues, the emphasis remains on balancing progress with precautionary measures to protect communities.
