Potholes Claimed More Lives in 2017 Than Terrorist Activities

Potholes across the country claimed almost 3,597 lives in 2017, whereas terror attacks claimed 803.

Potholes across the country claimed 3,597 lives in 2017, a more than 50% rise in the toll last year, reported Times of India.

In comparison, the report states that lives claimed by terror attacks numbered 803 in the same year (including security personnel and civilians). What this shows is that the pothole problem is currently a greater threat to citizens than terrorism.

Accessing data shared by states with the Centre, TOI reported that Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of pothole deaths at 987. In Maharashtra, the number of deaths (726) had nearly doubled. Haryana and Gujarat also fare poorly.

Death by Potholes

Pothole deaths have caused a longstanding debate to resurface, regarding the inefficiency of municipal and road authorities, and the negligence of officials in maintaining roads.

In Mumbai's Kalyan, four lives were lost due to roads riddled with potholes and water-logging from heavy rains. Civic bodies in Mumbai did not claim responsibility for any deaths.

Owing to public disaffection in the city, the BMC on Thursday, 12 July, promised to fill all potholes in Mumbai within 48 hours.

In fact, the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, which introduces the provision of fines against officials, has been stuck in Parliament due to disruptions in proceedings, TOI reported citing Union Road Ministry officials.

“Can’t Blame Potholes Alone”

Maharashtra PWD Minister Chandrakant Patil on 15 July claimed that pothole-ridden roads cannot be entirely blamed for accidents.

"When you talk about a death in such an accident, you forget that five lakh other people have travelled on the same road,” PTI quoted Patil speaking to reporters in Sangli on 14 July.

He added that the entire blame could not be put on the conditions of roads alone. While he did not have all the information about the recent accidents, the minister asserted that “action will be taken against officials based on the facts of each case. Family members of the deceased will get due compensation,” he said to PTI.

In response to Patil’s statement, State Congress General Secretary Sachin Sawant tweeted:

Government is not expected to run away by raising doubts about accident deaths. We condemn the minister for his insensitive comment.

Sachin Sawant in a tweet