The Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena leader, Digvijay Bagal, has made a plea to the government to allocate funds for the construction of a bridge over the Ujani reservoir, connecting Goyegaon in Karmala taluka and Agoti in Indapur taluka. This call for action is aimed at improving connectivity and ensuring the safety of residents who currently have to risk their lives by crossing the water body in boats.
Bagal highlighted the fact that residents of Karmala and Indapur talukas have to travel nearly 100 kilometers via Bhigwan and Tembhurni to reach nearby villages. This inconvenience has led many to opt for dangerous boat journeys, resulting in multiple drowning incidents with over 50 people losing their lives in the reservoir so far.
The Ujani Dam area is known for its abundant agricultural produce, which includes bananas, pomegranates, and sugarcane, making it a vital fruit and sugar belt. Additionally, the reservoir attracts birdwatchers and tourists due to the variety of domestic and migratory birds present in the area. Bagal emphasized that a bridge over the Bhima River between Goyegaon and Agoti would not only boost agro-tourism, fishing, and the sugar industry but also enhance water-based activities like boating and cruises. With accessible roads already present on both sides of the river, minimal land acquisition would be required for the project, which could greatly contribute to the development of the region.
On a related note, the construction of the Shirsodi-Kugaon bridge in the Ujani Dam catchment area has gained momentum. With a budget of ₹350 crore and approval from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Sports Minister Dattatray Bharne, the project is currently underway. This bridge is expected to reconnect villages that have been separated for 45 years since the construction of the Ujani Dam, restoring social and trade ties between the two regions.
Local leaders, including former Indapur Municipality Mayor Bharat Shah and former Kugaon Sarpanch Tejaswini Kokare, have been advocating for the Shirsodi-Kugaon bridge project for a long time. The bridge is anticipated to boost trade by providing faster access to Pune-Mumbai markets for agricultural produce and creating new routes for sugarcane transport. It is also expected to facilitate banana exports to Mumbai’s port, generate employment opportunities, and promote tourism in the area.
Considering the vast distances in the Ujani Dam’s catchment area, Bagal has stressed the necessity of a centrally located bridge to simplify travel for residents. He has urged the government to approve the project and include it in the upcoming budget estimates for the region’s development.
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