Thane: The Thane municipal commissioner Saurabh Rao has ordered that the entire Ghodbunder Highway stretch and adjoining arterial roads be made hawker-free, mandating sustained daily drives against unauthorised vendors who are causing hindrance to free traffic movement on the stretches. Officials said enforcement will begin immediately, with a focus on Majiwada, Manpada and Vartak Nagar areas where illegal vending often persists late into the night.Rao also pushed for time-bound completion of pre-monsoon works, including desilting of drains and gutters, pothole repairs, trimming of hazardous tree branches and streetlight maintenance. Departments have been asked to prioritise low-lying and waterlogging-prone pockets to minimise disruption during the rains. With ongoing works on Ghodbunder Highway posing a major challenge, Rao directed officials to coordinate with MMRDA, Metro and other agencies to complete road and pothole repairs by May 31. Failing that, construction material must be cleared to keep roads motorable. Emphasising preparedness, Rao called for tighter coordination among emergency services and civic departments. Control rooms will be strengthened, with ward-level units set up to ensure rapid response. All officials have been directed to remain reachable at all times and ensure their phones are always switched on.All concerned departments have been instructed to complete pending works at the earliest and ensure adequate manpower and equipment for emergencies. Coordination with local elected representatives has also been mandated, particularly in planning drain-cleaning operations and identifying low-lying areas prone to waterlogging during rains, Rao said. “To tackle waterlogging, wards will prepare lists of vulnerable locations and implement preventive measures, backed by standby pumping systems and personnel.” The commissioner also flagged the need for immediate clearance of green waste from tree trimming to prevent traffic snarls and clogged drains.
