Taking a firm stance on the demand of MLA Vikas Thakre regarding the alleged rising anti-social activities on walkable street between VNIT and Bajaj Nagar Square, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that if any further anti-social incidents occur in this area, the concerned Police Inspector (PI) (in-charge of police station) will be held responsible. Fadnavis also said that a special drive will be immediately launched to curb anti-social activities in this locality. It may be mentioned here that ‘The Hitavada’ had published several news reports about the anti-social activities.

 

MLA Thakre alleged that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation spent Rs 20 cr for the project but it has utterly failed as the walkable street has been encroached upon by vendors and no space has been left for pedestrians and cyclists. Thakre stated, “The walkable street stretch—spanning the route from Abhyankar Nagar Square to Bajaj Nagar Square and extending to Kachipura Square is now referred to by citizens as the ‘Drugs Street’, as it has become a hub for open drinking, drug consumption, and various other anti-social activities.

 

Thakre pointed out, “Spending Rs 20 crore on this road for this project was completely unnecessary, given that the road was already in good condition prior to the project. At a time when roads needed to be widened to accommodate the increasing volume of vehicular traffic, this project, conversely, resulted in a reduction of the road’s width. Essential amenities such as designated parking zones, public toilets, and other basic facilities were completely neglected during the execution of this project. The cycle tracks, walking paths, and seating areas constructed along one side of the road have now degenerated into dens for drinking, drug use, and anti-social behavior.” Thakre made it clear, “Citizens have lodged serious complaints regarding a significant surge in incidents of eve-teasing and other criminal activities within this area. A high-level inquiry into this entire matter should be conducted, strict action should be taken against the guilty officials and concerned parties, and concrete measures for the safety of citizens should be implemented immediately.” 

 

Vikas Thakre raised another issue, that of Butibori MIDC T-Point flyover. It was constructed by the Public Works Department (National Highways Division). This flyover was constructed specifically with the movement of heavy vehicles in mind. However, within a mere three years, it has been observed that the piers and viaduct of this flyover have deteriorated and undergone structural settlement—a matter of extreme gravity,

 

Due to this hazardous condition, the flyover had to be closed to traffic for several months. Subsequently, traffic was resumed only after carrying out minor repairs and imposing certain restrictions. Despite the detection of such a serious defect, no concrete action has yet been taken against the concerned engineers, structural engineers, and sanctioning officials of the Public Works Department (National Highways Division), nor against the contractor. The very same company, T&T Infra, has also constructed two other flyovers: one between the Bole Petrol Pump Square and the University T-Point, and another between Wadi Naka and the Wadi Police Station. Both of these projects have faced significant delays in execution. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to take immediate and stringent action against T&T Infra, as well as to conduct a thorough technical examination (Structural Audit) of the Butibori flyover and both flyovers on Amravati Road by independent expert agencies, so that any future accidents can be averted and appropriate action can be taken against those responsible.