Hey Pune peeps, we’ve got some news for you! The Bombay High Court has given the green light to the Balbharti-Paud Phata road project, despite opposition from environmental groups. The project, spearheaded by the Pune Municipal Corporation, aims to ease traffic congestion in Kothrud and surrounding areas.
So, what’s the deal with this road project? Well, it’s going to be 1.8 kilometers long and will provide an alternate route connecting Kothrud to Senapati Bapat Road. This means less traffic on Karve Road, Paud Road, Law College Road, and Senapati Bapat Road – hallelujah!
But hold up – environmentalists aren’t too happy about this. They’re worried about deforestation, depletion of water springs, and damage to Pune’s hills. The Nagari Chetna Manch even filed a petition in the High Court, claiming that the PMC was putting builders’ interests above the environment. Despite their efforts, the court ruled in favor of the PMC.
The road will feature a mix of ground-level and elevated sections, with a 30-meter width and a cost of ₹252.13 crore. There’s been some changes in the alignment to avoid a quarry, private construction sites, and a slum near Paud Phata, leading to an additional ₹17 crore increase in cost.
The PMC’s legal advisor, Nisha Chavan, defended the project in court, stating that it was included in the Development Plan after considering public objections. With the court’s approval, the project is set to move forward, with a caveat filed in the Supreme Court to prevent further legal challenges.
Despite protests and delays in the tender process, the road project is expected to kick off soon. So get ready, Puneites, for a smoother ride ahead!
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