Diwali 2016: Andheri to light up sans holes on roads

MUMBAI: Last Diwali, TOI had reported how the Lokhandwala Vyapari Mandal had dug 260 holes along the neatly paved main market road. It had erected bamboos to support overhead lighting for its annual Diwali shopping festival. Consequently the BMC had imposed a fine of Rs 5.2 lakh at the rate of Rs 2,000 per pothole.
This time, in a welcome change, the shopkeepers have avoided digging the ground.Instead they have strung the lights on electricity poles and buildings.
Nizam Khan, president of the mandal, said, “We meticulously applied for all civic permissions. Weeks in advance, we approached 24 road-facing housing societies and requested them to allow us to use their premises for supporting wires.Each of them agreed.“
Assistant municipal commissioner Parag Masurkar said, “Our staff has inspected the site and reported no excavation of the road. The lights are supported on building walls.“ Local corporator Jyotsna Dighe, complained, “Some shopkeepers routinely remove the road dividers in several places along Lokhandwala market so that vehicles can turn at will.This adds to the traffic chaos.This season we have sealed the gaps with metal bollards.“
The mandal however has trimmed trees before receiving civic consent. Ward officer Masurkar said, “They have applied for permission for tree trimming. We will decide after obtaining permission from traffic and local police.“