Overgrown shrubs spill onto Kudal-Panchgani road, blocking drivers' view of oncoming vehicles

Medha: Shrubs have grown wildly on both sides of the Kudal-Panchgani main state highway, which leads to the popular tourist destination of Panchgani. The roadside bushes now spill directly onto the road, making it hard for drivers to see oncoming vehicles. Traffic on the route is becoming more dangerous by the day, and there is a fear of a major accident.

Trees and shrubs along the road grew considerably during the monsoon. Motorists allege that the Jaoli public works department has not turned its attention to clearing them even after the rains ended. In the past few months, they say, neither the department's section engineer nor any concerned staff member has come to look at the road. The question being raised is how officials will learn the real condition of the road.

Tourists from Pune, Mumbai and other areas use the Kudal-Panchgani route in large numbers to reach Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, so vehicles are on the road at all times. The shrubs now block drivers' line of sight, and an oncoming vehicle can appear suddenly. This has raised the risk of accidents on the route.

Is the deputy engineer working from the Satara office?

There is talk that Pawar, the young and energetic deputy engineer who recently joined the Jaoli public works department, spends less time at the Medha office and more at the main office in Satara. The concerned section engineer is also said to be seen mostly at the Satara office. Because of this, residents say, the real condition of the taluka's roads is not coming to officials' notice, and they have expressed resentment.

It is the public works department's responsibility to inspect roads, clear roadside shrubs from time to time, trim branches that obstruct traffic and provide a safe route for motorists. At present, however, this appears to be neglected on many major roads in Jaoli taluka.

Other state highways in the taluka also hemmed in by shrubs

Large amounts of shrubs have also spilled onto the Saigaon-Darekhurd-Wagheshwar road, the road from Venna bridge to Kusumbi-Velekamathi, and the road from Kudal-Humgaon to Panchgani. This has created a traffic hazard on these routes too. Motorists and citizens demand that the department have the shrubs cleared immediately, before an accident occurs.

Do not wait for an accident

If the shrubs on the road are not cleared soon, a serious accident cannot be ruled out. Motorists hope the public works department will not confine itself to office work but will inspect the roads itself and take the necessary steps.