We Are Truly Smart And Potholed- Stay Clear To Stay Alive!

Potholes on a city road
Image used for representation only

With the rains staying put in the city, the number of potholes are multiplying by the hour and commute today is only about bumpy rides, accidents and traffic.

The authorities had set a deadline of June 16, 2018 to fix the potholes in PMC, however, it is evident that practically no action has been taken so far and the death toll has already risen to five this season. 

According to the data compiled by the Ministry of Roads Transport and Highways every day, thirty people lose their lives to the increase of potholes all over India.

Maharashtra itself has seen an alarming rise in the fatalities caused due to potholes and reported 726 deaths in 2017, more than double the fatalities of 2016 reported to be 329.

Pune365 spoke to city experts, informed citizens and civic authorities on the potholes and the impact that they are taking on our day to day lives.  

While speaking to Pune365, Aniruddha Pawaskar, Head of Road Department- PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation) says, “The team is working constantly to fill the potholes all over the city,

The material and process we use is the cold emission treatment that needs to dry at least for 3-4 hours, however, it doesn’t work on the roads that lack a proper foundation. Moreover, with the constant rainfall now, the team is not able to complete the work

Pawaskar also admitted that conditions of roads this monsoon has worsened, however, he claims that the road is repaired immediately after a complaint is received, subject to the intensity of the rains.

The damage to our roads is constantly happening. Even after the monsoons, MNGL, MSEDCL, BSNL and other private organisations start the digging work to install their cables, as the demand for their services are increasing.

When one part of the surface of the road is broken or disturbed the road eventually develops a problem, adds Pawaskar.

Dr Sachin Tapasvi, Leading Orthopaedic Surgeon and Joint Replacement Specialist says, “Potholes are a huge nuisance for daily commuters and they not only lead to traffic jams but can be very risky for a commute, besides damaging the vehicles itself.

Mental stress and trauma is the commonly noticed impact potholes have on people

In a city like Pune, where life is all about meeting deadlines, the increasing potholes result in serious chaos. One witnesses long jams and people trying to negotiate their way through traffic, ignoring traffic rules and creating really stressful situations.

Many a time, you see tempers flying high on the roads with everyone trying to drive through such chaos every day. This results in an abnormal increase in Blood pressure and can cause cardiac issues too.

In fact, in an interesting survey carried out by a city hospital showed that in the monsoon months when traffic is at its worst, it was observed that several patients came in with accelerated high blood pressure and cardiac issues.

Another major concern with the traffic issue is difficulty faced in reaching a medical emergency case to the hospital in time. This delay can cost a valuable life.

On these roads the ambulance drivers have to drive slow, keeping in mind the condition of the patient.

During transport of a patient suffering from long Limb Fracture, even a sudden jerk experienced with a pothole can cause the fracture to replace with a Fat embolism.

Explaining Fat embolism, Dr Tapasvi said “Our bone marrow contains fat cells, if the fat cells lodges with blood cells and cause a blockage of blood flow, it can lead to a serious condition called fat embolism, which can also cause multi-organ dysfunction and neurological changes which can be deadly.

Another pothole related risk factor are the falls, a serious threat to two-wheeler riders.

Very often, the potholes are not distinguishable since they’re water ridden, and sudden braking to avoid a fall can prove dangerous for the pillion too. These accidents can cause severe head injuries and knee injuries.  

There is a marked increase in motor accidents this monsoon. People travelling in three-wheelers and cars also a have high chance of damaging their spine, especially the elderly or old age people.

A sudden jerk while travelling can crush the spine, leading to deformity in the back, along with serious back pain, Dr Tapasvi added.

Potholes Nightmare Inforgraphic

Subodh Pawar, Automobile Service engineer, opines, “The damaged by potholed roads to your vehicle is very severe and reduces the life of the vehicle.

Firstly, it impacts the tyres of the vehicle, then the wheels and suspension are damaged,  irrespective of how expensive the sedans are.

Apart from suspension and the wheels, the vehicle also suffers many micro damages.The wheel alignment can go haywire. And, in such circumstances, one cannot also call for insurance as the insurance policy won’t cover these claims since they do not involve a specific accident. The overall expenses for minor repairs can burn a huge hole in your pocket.

It is advised, that car owners try and avoid craters, potholes, bumpy roads for the long life of their vehicles. These potholes can also damage your two-wheelers, as it can lead to broken bearings which is again very costly to rectify.

Jay Mehta, Businessman, I travel all over the city and trust me some areas in Pune are a horrible experience.

The increasing menace of potholes is not only affecting the roads but a lot more. However, I don’t blame the civic officials since they are actually working proactively all over town.

Recalling his own experience with the recently launched helpline, Mehta said ‘I have reported several potholes and to my surprise, they were repaired overnight.

Right now they can’t really do anything with the constant rains, however, am sure the team will act proactively when the monsoons have let off, he adds.

~~

 

 

Ankita Malekar