Mitigation measures key to reduce negative impact, says study

Admitting the concerns raised by activists over threat to the environment due to the proposed 2.1-km road to link Paud Road and Balbharti near Senapati Bapat Road, the agency appointed to study impact analysis of the project has stressed the need for an alternative route to Law College Road. It has also suggested "mitigation measures" that would reduce the adverse impact of the proposed road and make the project environmentally sustainable.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had proposed the project with the objective of reducing traffic density on Law College Road and to avoid losses, delays and air pollution resulting from congestion on the road. The PMC had faced criticism from locals, environmentalists and activists with regard to the project which was stayed following a court directive.

The PMC, as per the court directives, had appointed an agency to prepare an impact analysis statement for the project. The statement was recently submitted to the PMC.

Additional City Engineer Pramod Nirbhavan said the findings would soon be submitted to the court. "We will seek an early hearing of the case and present our stand," he added.

The study says carrying capacity of Law College Road is completely exhausted due to the ever-increasing traffic volume, which points to the need for alternatives and new roads.

"The proposed road has more of a negative impact though the positive effects on Law College Road are compensatory. If the proper mitigation measures are taken to reduce the negative impact from development activities, the project will become environmentally sustainable," it said.

Environmental planning with adequate funding and a public audit of the Road Construction Project will lead to sustainable traffic management in the city, said the report, keeping alive hopes of the project taking off.

The study admits there will be considerable impact on flora, fauna, watershed features during the construction phase as stated in the impact analysis chart. It says there will be a temporary increase in vehicular movement and air pollution on the roads leading to construction site, cutting trees or filling of ground will lead to accelerated erosion along the construction site. Air pollution after construction may reduce considerably but will increase proportionately as the vehicular movement will increase, it adds.

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