Maharashtra: As monsoon showers have subsided, residents across Kolhapur are facing increasing difficulties due to rising dust pollution on city roads. The problem stems from pothole repair works done by the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC), where roads were filled with murum (gravelly soil).
With the rains gone, these repairs have turned into a source of dust, making daily commutes difficult and unhealthy, as reported by The Times of India. Locals report a surge in health problems such as headaches, sore throats, and itchy eyes, especially among two-wheeler riders and pedestrians who are constantly exposed to airborne dust.
In February this year, KMC had purchased a multipurpose sprinkler tanker worth Rs 1.5 crore to help tackle such pollution. However, citizens are now questioning its absence on the roads.
Satish Yadav, a resident of Budhwar Peth, voiced his frustration, saying, "Due to the poor condition of roads, the ongoing works at CPR Hospital and the old district court premises, a large amount of dust is blowing in the air. KMC installed mist fountains, mechanical air filtration units, and a water tanker sprinkler to reduce dust. Where are they? Why are the mist fountains not operating?", as reported.
Citizens also raised concerns about the quality of road construction in the city. Every year, crores of rupees are spent on building and repairing roads, but residents claim none are built to proper standards. The dust becomes unbearable when heavy vehicles like trucks and buses pass by, creating clouds that make it difficult for commuters to breathe or even keep their eyes open.
