Mumbai: TMC chief launches do-or-die 3-day drive for road repairs

Sanjeev Jaiswal has warned officers responsible for wards with action if potholes, encroachment are not dealt within three days

Mumbai: TMC chief launches do-or-die 3-day drive for road repairs

Thane residents have been complaining about potholes for several months. File pic

Thane's Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal has launched a three-day drive to get rid of encroachments on footpaths and bad roads in the city. Thane residents have been complaining about the issues for several months, with there having been over 63 accidents, including two deaths, due to bad roads in the past six months.

As per a notice issued by Jaiswal, if the issues are not resolved during the three-day drive, which is to start today and last until November 8, assistant municipal commissioners stand to face serious action.

Apart from encroachment, the ward offices have also been told to get rid of illegal banners. Residents have however said that the Commissioner should have done this much earlier.

Most residential societies, including Pawar Nagar, Ghodbunder Road, Eagle Estate have been complaining about illegal encroachment on footpaths, but no stern action has been taken so far. Residents claim that officials have only made false promises and ignored the situation on the ground.

Deputy Commissioner and the spokesperson for Thane Municipal Corporation, Sandip Malvi, said, "Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal has given strict directives to complete the work in three days or be ready to face action. Assistant Municipal Commissioners of wards will face action if they fail to carry out the work. Senior officers will be taking daily reports of the situation."

Jayant Pawar, a resident of Ghodbunder Road, said, "TMC chief Sanjeev Jaiswal has been here for four years and this situation is not new. Yet, his employees are not working efficiently. This is really shameful. Residents have been complaining for a long time and he could have this decision before someone losing their life. We hope this is not just lip service and he takes serious action."

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