Nagpur: Three days after Ganpati festivities ended, mandaps, bamboo frames, hoardings and decorations continue to occupy roads and open spaces across Nagpur, with several temporary structures yet to be dismantled and cleared.In several areas, structures erected along roads and near junctions have narrowed carriageways, restricted movement and left little space for pedestrians and other road users. Grounds used for mandaps also remain occupied in some localities, preventing residents, particularly children, from using the spaces.DCP Traffic Aditya Mirkhelkar said traffic police had noticed such instances and action was already underway. “We have initiated a drive to pull them down. I can assure that within two days, all these will be brought down and the road will be free for traffic,” Mirkhelkar said.Residents slammed the slow pace of dismantling, questioning why temporary structures remained in place after the celebrations had ended. Suresh Anjangaonkar, a Deo Nagar resident, said mandals should begin removing structures and restoring public spaces as soon as the festival ends.“It is crucial that the roads and grounds be cleared immediately. Often, work is done months in advance, but after the festivals, grounds remain uncleared for days, leaving no space for children to play,” he said.Anjangaonkar said the respective mandals should be responsible for restoring the grounds. He also suggested that Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) introduce a mandatory deadline for clearing and restoring roads and open spaces from next year.Bajaj Nagar resident Krushna Mahire suggested that mandals be required to restore the spaces within a fixed timeframe, with the civic body collecting a security deposit to ensure compliance.
