Hoping for a shorter commute, citizens ask the authorities of Swami Narayan Mandir Trust to open the gate, which is claimed to be on private property, and allow traffic through
Elsie Gabriel
Citizens made another effort towards the opening up of the gate at the junction
of Hiranandani Gardens Powai and Kailash Complex. A local NGO called Manch took
the initiatve on April 11, and met with Raju Bhai, the local chief in charge
of the Swami Narayan Mandir Trust.
Chairman of Manch Mark D’Souza says, “The authorities should at least
open the top barricade and let the BEST buses through. The buses come into Hiranandani
Complex and have to take a long detour. The new route could save time for all
concerned.”
For the very first time, the other ‘permanently’ closed gate on the
left of the barricade (towards Vikhroli Parksite) was opened. Raju Bhai explains,
“We always have a watchman at the gates and if there are ambulances or
fire brigades on the way, we do let them through.
” But Oliver Anrade, another member of Manch, says, “The fire brigade
at Vikhroli is exactly six minutes away but they have to go all around using
the bottleneck route of ADS Marg, and get delayed.”
Although many claim that the road is the site of several disputes between builders
and commuters, the Trust claims that the road is on private land and till such
time as all pending cases are solved, the gate would not be broken. Raju Bhai
says, “Someone has purposely damaged the small wall, it has not been broken
due to an accident. If the matter is in court let it be solved at that level.
Harming the watchmen and breaking wall is not going to solve the problem. I
will speak to the guruji at the head office and then the Trust shall reach a
decision.” However, heavy vehicles will not be allowed to pass, he asserts.
Senior Inspector V N Satpkal of Powai police station also attended the meet
and says, “Our main concern is that residents and commuters should not
be harmed in any way. Let the court decide the matter. But the concerned parties
have met and a solution could be reached soon.” mp.plus@gmail.com
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