Road Closures, Repairs in Aarey Colony for Pothole-Riddled Roads

A committee appointed by the Bombay High Court has recommended the
permanent closure of 8.22 km-long stretch of internal roads within Aarey Milk
Colony while suggesting immediate repair or reconstruction for a 19 km section
due to its deteriorating condition.

The committee’s survey of the 45 km-long internal road network in Aarey
Colony concluded that the existing roads were not in good condition.
Specifically, the 1.5 km path from Aarey Market to Mayur Nagar requires
reconstruction rather than simple repairs to address the extensive potholes. The
remaining 17 km can be repaired with a lesser treatment. In light of Aarey’s location within a region subject to heavy rainfall, the
committee recommended using concrete for repairs or reconstruction. Concrete
roads are deemed more durable over the long term and offer an economically
efficient use of budgetary resources.

Aarey Colony, designated as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), enforces restrictions
on heavy vehicle entry. The committee advised maintaining this prohibition and
suggested that the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development
should take measures to prevent encroachments and unauthorised use of these
roads. Their goal is to reduce vehicular density and encroachments within the
Colony to safeguard wildlife within the reserve forest and ESZ. The proposed changes aim to enhance road conditions and protect the
environment within the Colony while ensuring that the roads are better suited to
withstand the challenging weather conditions.