Road dust & gravel take a toll on Nashik city motorists

Nashik: After days of sludge and muck, now, as the rain has taken a brief break, the battered roads in Nashik city have become dusty nightmares.
The incessant showers in recent weeks had taken a heavy toll on the city’s roads which became pockmarked with large potholes.
In response to the growing number of citizen complaints, workers of the Nashik civic body and other departments concerned filled the potholes with gravel and murum.
In most cases, a fresh spell of rain caused the potholes to resurface.
Now, the dust on the dried-up roads has become a significant issue.
Prashant Mhaske, a resident of the Nashik Road area, said, “It is a challenge for people on two-wheelers, especially those who do not wear helmets. The dust is suffocating, particularly at places like the Upnagar bus stop, where the rush of vehicles, mainly four-wheelers and trucks, is constant. The wheels of these heavy vehicles keep blowing the dust.”
He added that the dust also coats people's clothes and faces.
Many motorists have pointed out that the gravel used to fill the potholes is now scattered across the road, increasing the risk of skidding.
Ashok Bankar, another commuter, said the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has mechanical sweeping machines. The authorities should start using these machines to remove dust from the roads.
He said the dust is extremely polluting and can cause health problems among motorists.
Two-wheeler riders also have to cover their faces with handkerchiefs to keep the dust out.
Inspector Subhash Pawar of the city traffic branch said, “People travelling on two-wheelers, including the pillion riders, should wear helmets all the time. This problem will continue for a while. Once the rainy season is over, the authorities concerned would take up the road asphalting work.”
This issue is being faced by motorists in various parts of the city, including Dindori Road, Peth Road, Trimbak Road, and other roads in the Panchavati and in the Nashik Road areas.