Pune: Days after three massive steel arches erected by Ganapati mandals collapsed within a 100-metre stretch of Pune-Alandi road in Dighi, several similar structures continue to stand along both sides of the busy road, raising fresh concerns about safety of commuters.The structures, erected for Ganapati festivities, have not been removed despite the collapse last week. Residents said the continued presence of the steel frames was particularly worrying, as several of them do not have proper underground foundations and are instead held in position only with ropes.The arches occupy both lanes and collectively stretch across nearly 100 metres of the road, which witnesses heavy vehicular movement, including a large number of industrial vehicles travelling between Pune and Chakan-Alandi industrial belt.Residents have questioned why the Dighi police, whose station is barely two km from the location, have not intervened despite the earlier collapse.“This is shocking behaviour by the police. How can they allow mandals to keep such structures even after the Ganpati immersion? If strong winds return, these structures can fall on commuters and someone could be killed. How can the police ignore such an obvious safety risk?” said Ashish Kulkarni, a working professional and regular commuter.Residents said the incident could have caused multiple casualties had traffic been moving normally on the road at the time. “With the kind of strong winds we experienced last week, these structures can easily topple. Once they fall, they will inevitably land on the road. The collapse of the arches last week was a narrow escape for commuters. Fortunately, vehicular movement was low because of the rainfall,” said resident Ankush Shingade.The Pune-Alandi road is among the most important arterial routes in the region and carries substantial traffic throughout the day. The continued presence of the structures has left regular commuters anxious, particularly during periods of heavy rain and gusty winds.“Ever since I saw the arches collapse that day, I have been quite afraid while passing through Dighi. I keep getting the feeling that one of these structures could collapse on me anytime,” said Seema Jadhav, a regular commuter from Alandi.Residents said the issue was not merely about traffic obstruction but a larger question of accountability and public safety. They questioned whether permissions granted to mandals included mandatory requirements for dismantling temporary structures immediately after the festival, and whether the structures had been inspected for stability.Police inspector Nitin Phatangade said, “These structures have been kept for the upcoming Navaratra festival.” However, when asked about the safety of the people, Phatangade said, “It is the job of the municipal corporation authorities. I don’t know why they haven’t removed them or taken action against the mandals.”Rajesh Agale, deputy municipal commissioner and head of PCMC’s sky sign department, did not respond to phone calls.
