Amidst perennial concerns over Mumbai’s notorious pothole problem, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced its latest endeavor:
a comprehensive survey of city roads to preemptively identify and address potential trouble spots. However, amidst this proactive stance, skepticism looms large, with activists expressing doubts about the efficacy of BMC’s measures in mitigating the annual deluge of pothole-related woes. The decision to conduct road surveys stems from the recognition that potholes predominantly emerge on asphalt stretches afflicted by surface damage. By preemptively targeting these vulnerable areas, BMC aims to curtail the proliferation of potholes, particularly during the monsoon season when the city’s infrastructure is most severely tested.
Yet, despite BMC’s assurance of proactive intervention, activists remain unconvinced of the municipality’s ability to stave off the perennial pothole menace. Citing past experiences, critics highlight a glaring dissonance between BMC’s pre-monsoon preparations and the persistent recurrence of potholes. Indeed, historical data paints a sobering picture of Mumbai’s ongoing battle with pothole proliferation. Despite BMC’s concerted efforts, statistics reveal a consistent pattern of pothole repairs necessitated by seasonal downpours. In the previous year alone, BMC expended a staggering Rs 273 crore on rectifying pothole-related damage, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge at hand.
Moreover, the sheer scale of Mumbai’s road network compounds the complexity of BMC’s task. With over 2,050 kilometers of roads under its jurisdiction, BMC faces a Herculean undertaking in ensuring the upkeep and maintenance of vital transportation arteries. While certain segments benefit from ongoing concreting projects and defect liability periods, a substantial portion remains subject to BMC’s direct oversight. In light of these challenges, civic activist Anil Galgali raises poignant questions regarding the efficacy and quality of BMC’s interventions. Despite the municipality’s proactive stance, the persistence of potholes underscores underlying deficiencies in implementation and oversight, casting doubt on the sustainability of BMC’s road maintenance initiatives. As Mumbai braces itself for yet another monsoon season, the efficacy of BMC’s road survey efforts stands poised for scrutiny. While proactive measures offer a glimmer of hope in the perennial battle against potholes, the onus remains on BMC to translate rhetoric into tangible results, thereby restoring faith in the city’s infrastructure resilience.
