Cityplus City Pulse
How safe are RTI
Aundh/Baner, Friday, January 22, 2010
6
Delay in Baner road
activists in Pune? construction work leads to problems The recent incident of RTI activist Satish Shetty brutally killed in a safe city like Pune has evoked strong reactions from various sections of society. During times when people have little faith left in the system, it is quite shocking that such individuals who strive for a better society and justice are targeted and silenced forever.The loss of such an activist is irreparable, yet the spirit of striving ahead seems to keep burning bright.
The long-pending construction of Baner road has created many problems not only for vehicles but for shops and restaurants in the area also.There are many big potholes on both sides of the road from Green Park to Sadanand Hotel since one year. Cityplus had reported on the matter and how it is creating a nuisance for people. After the news appeared barricades were set around some potholes. Deputy city engineer Sandip Khandwe said that it would take a little time to complete the work.The pedestrian crossing work will start soon on the patch from Pune University to Green Park.
Vivek Velankar, RTI Activist We have to be cautious "This was a very tragic incident, but it will not dampen our determination to keep working on this front. Any individual, who wishes to voice against something that is wrong in society, becomes vulnerable to such acts. We will provide a platform for people where it will be possible for them to make RTI applications and they shall be published on the web via a dedicated network.
Padmashree Patil, Investor and Social Worker Social activists are important to society "This incident is a dampener to the very essence of democracy. It is time to recognise the social activists as an important aspect of society. The police, administration and public - all should work as a helping hand for such activists, and in a timely manner. Activists and such NGOs should register themselves as a cautious step in future.
Satish Khot, President–National Society for Clean Cities Such people should be protected "This is a heinous crime that has taken place to curb the morale of activists and vigilant citizens. There should be a whistleblower act that should be put in place to protect people who are braving against such wrong doers in society. Activists are doing commendable job of bringing to light works of the anti-social elements around. It is essential that they be protected and also that their names not be revealed when any RTI application is filed.
The big pit at Balewadi Phata bus stand.
B
ut the real picture of Baner road is a different story. Many of the potholes are still open and without barricades. The bus stop on Balewadi Phata has a big pit just in front of the benches because of which all the travellers have to stand on the road while waiting for buses. Some regular travellers say that it is a problem they have been facing for the past eight-nine months. The pit is open and without barricades. In rainy season it is filled with water and becomes more risky.
Shopkeepers and restaurant owners in the area say they are suffering losses due to this. As there is no proper parking available, customers prefer to go elsewhere. Surendra Sharma, a shopkeeper on the road says, "Barricades is a temporary arrangement. They should complete this work as soon as possible. I can't understand why work is going at a tardy pace only on the patch from Green Park onwards. Due to this the road has become uneven and is causing trouble for vehicles. No open spaces have remained for parking".
Priyankita Deshmukh, 4th year Law Student The fight against injustice should continue "I see this as one more sacrifice against the struggle for justice in society. Activists should also take care not to become easy targets and take precautions of working collectively. Just like we had a freedom struggle against the outsiders, this struggle against those among ourselves and the system should continue, but cautiously. Activists should expand their league for a better society in future.
Another big pothole barricaded on the road.