Aarey roads: Locals raise voice over shoddy repairs

The ongoing road construction work, which the locals claim does not seem to follow the required standards. Pics/By special arrangement

While the construction of new internal roads at Aarey Milk Colony is underway, a Mumbai-based NGO has raised serious concerns over the quality of the work. Cattle farm owners from Aarey have echoed similar complaints. The NGO has written to local Member of Parliament (MP) Ravindra Waikar and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Bala (Anant) Nar, alleging irregularities and corruption in the ongoing roadwork at Units 17 and 18 of Aarey Colony.

"In my observation, the road construction work does not seem to follow the required standards," said Anjan Yagandla, the founder and president of the NGO Nirbhaya Foundation. "The plastic sheet, essential for durability, hasn't been laid properly. There's no cement base beneath the tar layer either. Due to these flaws, the road quality is severely compromised and is likely to deteriorate or even disappear after the first heavy rains. An independent expert inspection is urgently needed."

Over a week ago, the public works department (PWD) undertook road construction on an approximately 200-metre stretch of an internal road in Aarey Milk Colony. However, residents and cattle farm owners alleged poor-quality work and complained to the chief executive officer of Aarey. Following their objections, the contractor reportedly stopped the work and abandoned the site.

Residents and farm owners, particularly at Unit 18, criticised the bitumen or asphalt layer laid on the road, claiming it would not survive the monsoon. Cattle farm owner Imran Udat said, "Why are different construction techniques used for internal roads across Aarey Milk Colony? Why can't there be a standard method? The tar layer laid at Unit 18 looked like a shoddy job, as the road base wasn't properly prepared. We fear it will wash away during the rains. We hope senior authorities at PWD and the Aarey CEO's office take serious note and ensure proper repairs."

The Aarey Colony Milk Producers Association has also written to Nar, highlighting several issues faced by cattle farm owners. Their letter alleges that low-quality roadwork has been observed at Units 15, 16, 17 and 18. A PWD official said, "The construction of internal roads inside the colony is going on as per proper norms and specifications. We are keeping a close tab on the ongoing work and are making sure that the quality of the work is not compromised."

The PWD is repairing 45 km of internal roads in the colony. While some sections are being concreted, most stretches are being resurfaced with tar. Spread over 16 sq km, Aarey Milk Colony is home to over 60,000 residents and comprises 27 tribal hamlets, slum pockets, cattle farms and the Royal Palms area. In March 2024, news reports revealed that the Bombay High Court had directed the agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries department to expedite the repair of Aarey's internal roads.