PWD develops App to solve potholes problem

EACH season, people across Maharashtra come across potholes that cause havoc specially during rainy season. However, despite numerous complaints the problem remains unsolved. To change this scene, new Minister of State Dr Parinay Fuke, who has Public Works Department as one of the three portfolios, has come up with an App that will ensure speedy resolution to the problem of potholes. The App will be soon launched where users can upload a photo of pothole in any part of the State. The photo will be submitted to the data centre at Mumbai and the PWD head office will immediately direct the concerned people to take action. The contractor will have to pay fine of Rs 1,000 per day till the pothole is repaired. Dr Fuke disclosed this during his visit to ‘The Hitavada’ office on Monday.

“People are facing lot of problems due to potholes but no solution was in sight. With the launching of new App, nobody should suffer because of potholes. People just have to share the photograph of pothole in their locality on the App. Within 48 hours cognisance would be taken and problem would be resolved,” Dr. Fuke said. Dr Fuke said the problem of potholes is grave outside the municipal limits and in rural areas. “Potholes in municipal limits are mostly filled quickly by the civic authorities as a proper mechanism is in place for the public. The problem is less on national highways too but those in rural areas were neglected as nobody took cognisance even after complaints were lodged. This new App would go a long way in solving this long-pending issue,” Dr Fuke said.

Though Dr Fuke has only three months to carry his works as Maharashtra will go to polls by October, he said his first priority was to change the public perception about Public Works Department. “I feel there a bad image has been created among people about PWD. I want to change this and remove the misconception,” the Minister said. Dr Fuke who is also has the charge of Tribal Development department has planned to construct Tribal hostels on its own.

Till now the department had to depend on PWD which used to take time. Now Dr Fuke has made a planning of constructing tribal hostels. “Now I have made it a point in whichever district I stay, I visit a tribal hostel, interact with the children living there. Try to study their issues. This is giving me feedback and direction on how should I go about constructing hostels and deal with their problems,” said Dr Fuke. According to Dr Fuke there is a lot of opposition from the children to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

“Most of the students don’t want money, instead they demand facilities to be provided by Government. To some extent their demand is right. Providing good food is Government’s responsibility and we are thinking in that direction,” assured Dr Fuke. “I did not say I am competent but I shall not leave any stone unturned while working,” said firm Dr Fuke. He said that he would work hard and meet expectations and trust shown by Chief Minister. Dr Parinay is the first person of Fuke family who became Minister. Earlier, Managing Director of ‘The Hitavada’ Rajendra Purohit and Editor Vijay Phanshikar welcomed Dr Fuke.