Water accumulates at Pachpaoli flyover reconstruction site, residents raise concerns over vector-borne diseases

Time of India

10 hours ago

Nagpur: While the demolition of the decades-old Pachpaoli flyover is already delayed and ongoing for almost three months, another issue has arisen at the site, leaving citizens frustrated.
The recent heavy rains created a 'swimming pool' on the dug-up stretch from Kamal Chowk towards the railway crossing, where the old flyover once stood. Citizens of the area have raised concerns over the increasing mosquito menace and vector-borne diseases due to the stagnant water.
TOI visited the spot on Sunday and observed water accumulating on the dug-up stretch where the new flyover will be built. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), as a precautionary measure, has barricaded the entire stretch.
Meanwhile, the demolition of the flyover over the level crossings 571 and 572, and between them, has not yet been completed.
TOI reported on June 8 that the demolition work of the flyover over the railway lines was stuck in red tape due to pending permission from the railways. The Pachpaoli flyover demolition started in mid-April.
"The demolition was supposed to be completed within a month, but it is still not fully completed.
Meanwhile, the reconstruction of the new flyover is also going at a snail's pace. Now, the road they dug up for construction has been filled with water since Wednesday. They have not yet cleared it. This will breed mosquitoes and further add to the inconvenience of citizens," said Vinod Shahu.
Another local pointed out that the stagnant water can lead to a bad smell and vector-borne diseases. "We are already facing air and noise pollution because of ongoing work as it is a congested area.
If this water is not cleared, it will further lead to health issues for locals," said a resident.
Meanwhile, the rains also created problems for the ongoing work as many dug pits have been filled with water, hindering the work. The NHAI has started the construction of the new flyover and even installed a few piers for it, but the majority of the work is still pending. TOI made multiple attempts to contact NHAI officials, but they did not respond.
The Pachpaoli flyover is currently being demolished for the building of the longer Kamal Chowk to Reshmibagh flyover, which is part of the Rs 998 crore Indora to Dighori project, aimed at decongesting North and South Nagpur. Under the project, two flyovers are being built — Kamal Chowk to Reshibagh and Bhande Plot Square to Dighori — and they will significantly reduce travel time from Indora to Dighori.