Nagpur: Green shade nets installed at Besa Square collapsed within hours on Wednesday, raising concerns over construction quality and public safety. The Besa Pipla Nagar Panchayat had set up the nets at key junctions to shield commuters from the heat.
By morning, installations were completed on all four sides of the Besa square, including the busy Manewada Road stretch. By afternoon, a section on the Manewada Road side gave way, briefly disrupting traffic. No injuries were reported.
When TOI visited the site soon after, workers were already reinstalling the structure. The incident triggered debate over its cause, with residents and authorities offering conflicting accounts.
Residents Blame Poor Workmanship
Locals blamed strong, dusty winds and alleged poor workmanship, claiming the nets were loosely secured and unable to withstand pressure. "They had just installed it in the morning, and by afternoon, it came crashing down. The winds were strong, but such structures should withstand normal conditions. This points to poor execution," said shopkeeper Vivek Ganvir.
Officials Cite Truck Accident
Officials, however, denied faulty installation. Chief officer Bharat Nandanwar said a truck hit one of the bamboo support poles, causing the structure to collapse, and fled the scene.
The incident has raised questions about the durability of such installations in high-traffic areas. With similar structures planned at Manish Magar T-point, residents have urged authorities to ensure sturdier fittings to prevent future mishaps.
