Highways department officials say that all efforts are made to ensure there is minimum disturbance to students when schools and educational institutions are in the vicinity of project sites.
The main concerns are noise and dust. The department not only erects noise and dust barriers if work is going on near buildings, but also ensures water is sprinkled at the work site to cut down on dust, a source in the department said. “Our work schedules are also fixed keeping in mind school timings and we also provide alternate gates if the existing entrances are affected,” he said.
When a bridge was constructed across the creek in Ennore recently, the department ensured that an 8-foot-high concrete safety wall was constructed at the curve to minimise the impact in case any accidents occurred. The wall also acts as a noise barrier. A speed breaker was put in place and caution boards were put up. “Usually, such elements are considered necessary expenditure and included in the project cost,” he said.
