Following mid-day’s report, PWD begins installations along completed road stretches near forested zones; It may be noted that the PWD has completed work on the internal road in Aarey that goes from the main Aarey Road towards Unit 10 via the Swayambhu Shree Gaondevi Temple
The newly constructed speed breaker with markings. Pics/Satej Shinde
Following mid-day’s report highlighting the need for speed breakers on the internal roads at Aarey Milk Colony and a letter from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park authorities, the Public Works Department (PWD), which is carrying out the construction of internal roads in Aarey Milk Colony, has begun building speed breakers.
An official from the PWD said, “We have started making speed breakers on the newly made internal roads in Aarey Milk Colony to prevent vehicular accidents as well as accidents involving wild animals. Once the construction of the internal road at another location is completed, we will be making speed breakers at those locations too.”
A motorist slows down as he approaches one of newly constructed speed breakers
It may be noted that the PWD has completed work on the internal road in Aarey that goes from the main Aarey Road towards Unit 10 via the Swayambhu Shree Gaondevi Temple. During our visit to this road, we found that the work had been completed and that at least five speed breakers, complete with markings, had been constructed along the route. Locals in the area had been demanding the installation of speed breakers and are now also demanding that streetlights be installed, as it becomes very dark after sunset.
On March 5, mid-day published a story titled, ‘PWD works on Aarey roads as survey identifies 43 wildlife crossing points’, in which it was explained how members of the Urban Joint Forest Management Committees (UJFMC) had surveyed the area and identified 43 locations where wild animals frequently cross. Their report has been sent to the additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF) – Western Wildlife Region. The Aarey police have also suggested locations for speed breakers on the main road to the BMC, but there has been no progress on this matter.
Aarey Milk Colony is an ecologically sensitive area, with 812 acres designated as part of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The region is home to diverse wildlife, including leopards, jungle cats, spotted deer, sambar deer, rusty-spotted cats, small Indian civets, palm civets, and various species of reptiles and birds.
A significant portion of Aarey’s 45-km internal road network passes through forested areas. Vehicles speeding during the day and late at night pose a serious threat to wildlife crossing these roads. With the PWD currently constructing new internal roads, concerns have grown over increased traffic and potential wildlife casualties.
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