Continuous rain brings back potholes on repaired roads

Potholes re-emerged at several places in the city on Saturday, because of continuous rain in the last 48 hours.

Potholes re-emerged at several places in the city on Saturday, because of continuous rain in the last 48 hours.

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Potholes were reported at Ghatkopar and Sion on the eastern expressway, SV Road, Malad, Link Road at Goregaon, JSS Road at Girgaum, Nana Chowk, Tulsiwadi at Tardeo and Dadar. The Kavi Keshvsut flyover bridge outside Dadar railway station, which had been repaired by the civic body also developed potholes.

According to experts, a major reason for the re-emergence is the material used to fill potholes. The BMC uses broken bricks, paver blocks and bitumen to fill the potholes. “Broken bricks wash away in the rains,” said SL Dhingra, Institute Chair Professor, IIT.

Nandkumar Salvi, former BMC chief engineer and a member of the HC-appointed road monitoring committee said, “Asphalt and water are enemies. There is no solution except construction of good quality roads.”

“Factors such as drainage should be considered while thinking of a solution,” said NV Mirani, chairman, standing technical advisory committee.

The BMC has decided to take action against errant contractors. “We have asked zonal deputy municipal commissioners to inspect guarantee period roads, which have to be filled up by contractors using their own money,” said Aseem Gupta, additional municipal commissioner, roads.

“If contractor fails to do so within 24 hours of a dry spell, he will be fined Rs1,000 per pothole per day.”