Pune NGO Challenges PMC Over Speed Breakers, Offers Reward of Rs 100 

In a bold move aimed at improving road safety, the Sajag Nagrik Manch (SNM), a prominent NGO in Pune, has thrown down the gauntlet to the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) road department. 

They have announced a lucrative incentive, promising a cash reward of Rs. 100 for each speed breaker in the city, provided they are constructed in accordance with scientific guidelines. This challenge comes in response to growing concerns over the proliferation of hazardous speed breakers across Pune’s roads.

The SNM conducted a comprehensive survey of 356 roads spanning over 12 meters in length, employing the services of 41 personnel from the road department. The findings of this survey have been formally presented to the civic administration.

According to the report, out of the 378 roads assessed across seven zones of the city, a total of 627 speed breakers were identified on 356 of these roads. However, crucial data regarding the safety and compliance of these speed breakers were not initially collected. The SNM contends that many of these speed breakers do not adhere to scientific standards, echoing demands from concerned citizens for their removal.

Vivek Velankar, spokesperson for the Sajag Nagrik Manch, emphasized the necessity of removing non-compliant speed breakers, citing a 2005 order from the Bombay High Court. Velankar asserted, “Not a single speed breaker in Pune meets scientific standards. We urge the road department to publish the survey findings on the civic body’s website for public scrutiny.”

He further added, “Immediate steps must be taken to dismantle unsafe speed breakers in compliance with the High Court’s directive. Going forward, strict adherence to scientific guidelines in constructing speed breakers is imperative, along with obtaining approval from the traffic police.”

The SNM outlined key guidelines for constructing safe speed breakers, including the installation of notice boards indicating their presence, adequate lighting, and proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation.

The dangers posed by non-compliant speed breakers are multifaceted, ranging from vehicular damage to serious health issues such as spinal injuries and back pain. Two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by poorly constructed speed breakers.

As Pune grapples with its road safety challenges, the SNM’s initiative serves as a clarion call for authorities to prioritize adherence to scientific standards in infrastructure development, ensuring the well-being of all road users.