Mumbai: Will install speed breakers, fix streetlights in Aarey, say officials

A signboard warning motorists about an animal crossing on an internal road in the colony

In the wake of a mid-day report highlighting how the absence of speed breakers was posing a threat to the wildlife of Aarey Milk Colony, the civic body has begun addressing the issue. Rajesh Yadav, assistant engineer of the BMC's roads department (P South ward), stated, "The officials concerned have already been instructed to ensure that speed breakers are installed on internal roads that are being repaired. We have already installed speed breakers in some areas, and we will be putting up posters urging motorists to drive slowly when passing through forest areas where wild animals cross."

A speed breaker that was recently installed on a road in the colony

The BMC has already started setting up banners and signboards warning people about wildlife crossings on the colony's internal roads. On many such stretches, streetlights are also not working, which not only increases the chances of accidents for wild animals but also for pedestrians. The Aarey Milk Colony Chief Executive Officer (CEO) oversees the operation and maintenance of streetlights. A senior official from the CEO's office said, "I will talk to the officials concerned in the public works department and we will make sure that non-functioning streetlights on internal roads are made operational at the earliest."

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On February 9, mid-day reported about how the newly resurfaced roads inside the colony, which also lack speed breakers, were posing a threat to wildlife because motorists tend to speed on these stretches. Traffic is being diverted to internal roads in the eco-sensitive area, as the BMC is concretising the main Aarey Milk Colony road in patches.