Nav Bharat Nagarik Manch
PRESS
RELEASE
Dt –
Nov 10, 2013
For more pics see here:
Citizen Action Plan:
·
Demand suspension of NHAI Officials
responsible for criminal negligence in making the Neera Bridge unsafe and life
threatening, by writing a letter to CM. DY CM and NHAI chief
·
Blacklist the Reliance Infra Contractors who did
not abide by the mandatory rule of employing 24x7 security guard patrolling and
kept the bridge unsafe by not installing crash barrier
·
Demonstrate at Khed-Shivapur Toll
Naka demanding cancellation of toll charges till service of Reliance Infra contractors
is satisfactory in terms of safety, operation and maintenance
·
File a PIL on the shoddy state of
construction and maintenance of all highways in Maharashtra after procuring
information under RTI
·
Ask for compensation for the death of
four unfortunate victims from NHAI and Reliance
Nav Bharat Nagarik Manch, an informal social platform to
address citizen issues, held its first citizen meeting on Sunday, November 10,
at 11 a m, at Sarasbaug Garden.
The objective of the meeting was to chalk out an Action
Forward Plan regarding the needless deaths of Pune’s four young ad
professionals – Pranav Lele, Chintan Buch, Sahil Qureshi and Shrutika Chandwani.
While the authorities are conveniently putting the blame on alleged
over-speeding and probable alcohol consumption on the driver of the car, it is
very clear that lack of a crash barrier; absence of any fluorescent sign board
and; absence of the mandatory security guards on 24x7 patrolling were the
reasons for the 4 innocent deaths. Also, a similar accident at the same spot a
few months ago, wherein an Indica Car had plunged into the Neera River, killing
three, yet the NHAI and the contractor agency – Pune Satara Toll Road Pvt Ltd
(a subsidiary of Reliance Infra) which did not take immediate action to make
commuting on the Neera Bridge, safe.
Leading social and civic activists were present for the
meeting. Vijay Kumbhar, leading RTI activist stated that, ``the shoddy and
irresponsible work by the contractors and the government department concerned
is not restricted only to the Pune-Bangalore Highway but is seen in all the
highways of Maharashtra. Hence, we must use RTI to get information on all the
highways and file a PIL on their questionable construction as well the lack of
adherence to safety norms; maintenance and operations.’’
Srinivas Varunjikar, journalist and Satara based activist
stated that, ``despite a series of correspondence and meetings with NHAI
authorities requesting them to adhere to safety norms along the 371 kms of the
Pune-Bangalore highway that runs through Maharashtra, there has been no
response.’’
DVR Rao, noted social activist stated that, ``Since 2012,
I’ve been pursuing with NHAI, regarding another stretch near Panchgani of the
same highway for lack of safety and bad quality construction but it has fallen
into deaf ears. It is time that citizens come together in large numbers and
make the officers and contractors responsible for their work.’’
Raja Narasimhan, member of Nav Bharat Nagarik Manch, Pradeep
Dixit, calligrapher and social activist; Popatlal Shinghvi and Mr Sancheti of
Nav Chaitanya Hasya Club; Omkar Virkar,
noted social activist; Shashikant Kamble and Nagesh J of Maharashtra’s leading
Anti-Corruption movement; Ajit Ghatpande and Ms Sonawane, leading social
activists of Kasba; Ganesh Gugle, President of Pune district for All India
Human Rights Association and; 30 young social activists from Parvati were
present.
By Tuesday, the letter to the Chief Minister will be
drafted and sent for signatures to citizens.
Vinita Deshmukh
Convener, Nav Bharat Nagarik Manch
98230 36663
