Potholes in Aarey Colony a Nightmare, But Who Will Listen?

No authority is willing to take responsibility.

Potholes in Goregaon’s Aarey Colony have become a persistent problem.

(Photo Courtesy: Bipin Yadav/The Quint)

While potholes in Mumbai have become commonplace, those in Goregaon’s Aarey Colony have been particularly troublesome.

On the road leading to New Zealand Hostel, one can see big potholes that cause accidents during the monsoon. Commuters and residents who live around the area face these problems each year, but who will listen? The condition of the road is the same for a year now, but no one is willing to take responsibility.

Potholes in Aarey Colony. (Photo Courtesy: Bipin Yadav)

There are potholes all over the road but when I asked residents if anyone – the BMC, or any other authority – came to fill the potholes, the answer was in the negative.

During rains, the water fills these potholes. In addition to traffic and waterlogging, commuters’ vehicles also get damaged.

I spoke with a few residents and asked if they had ever complained. Most had shockingly said they had not, because despite the nature of the problem, no authority has ever taken an interest to find a lasting solution.

“I stay and work at the cowshed so we haven’t complained as of now. Maybe my employer would. But there are a lot of problems. Water accumulates on the road during rains.”

Resident

He added that vehicles can’t even pass through on some days. “There are traffic jams due to the potholes on the road and cars can’t pass,” he told me. Unfortunately, it seems that both residents and the authorities are resigned to their fate.

An auto driver crossing through told me he’d come to Aarey Colony for the first time but given the condition of the road, he won’t come even if paid for by a passenger!

Potholes cause damage to vehicles and add to traffic. (Photo Courtesy: Bipin Yadav)

“I had to come because I was passing through the area, otherwise I wouldn’t come here even if I’m paid. Look at this road, who will come here?”

Will we ever see smooth roads in Aarey Colony?

(The author is a student based in Goregaon. All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalist's own. The Quint neither endorses, nor is responsible for the same.)