Temporary heat relief turns planning puzzle at Besa Sq

Nagpur: A structure erected to shield commuters from the harsh summer heat at Besa Square is now giving rise to questions over planning and infrastructure coordination. The recently erected permanent metal framework for green shade nets is likely to be dismantled during the proposed expansion of the busy junction.Taking cues from initiatives undertaken by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat had installed green shade nets at two major traffic points — Besa Square and the Manish Nagar T-point — to provide relief to commuters waiting at signals under intense summer conditions. However, at Besa Square strong winds brought down the structure on the very day of installation.Following repeated failures of temporary bamboo-based supports, authorities opted for a more durable solution and erected metal support structures, fixed directly into the roadway, for the green nets. The move was intended to provide a long-term arrangement capable of withstanding weather conditions.Now, residents are questioning the logic behind erecting a permanent structure when plans are already underway for the expansion and redesign of Besa Square. Since the metal framework was installed after digging through existing cemented road portions, residents say authorities may soon be forced to dismantle the newly built structure, resulting in repeated excavation and avoidable expenditure."We understand that the shade nets are needed because standing at Besa Square during peak summer afternoons becomes unbearable. But if authorities already knew that expansion work was planned, then putting up permanent metal structures seems like unnecessary work and expense," said a resident, Prashant Timande."The idea itself is good because people waiting at signals, especially two-wheeler riders, get relief from the heat. But planning should be better coordinated. First, roads are dug for one project and then again for another," said another resident, Krupal Taywade.Speaking to TOI, Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat vice president Naresh Bhoyar clarified that the structure would be later reinstalled. "I know the square expansion work is coming up. The structure will be removed and reinstalled after the project is completed. This will be beneficial in the long run," he said. Bhoyar added that the design had been planned in a manner that would not interfere with traffic movement, including left-turn arrangements. According to him, once reinstalled after redevelopment, the structure would continue serving as a permanent solution for commuters and reduce recurring maintenance issues associated with temporary installations.