Green nets crash in strong winds at GPO Square

Nagpur: A green net installed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) at GPO Square collapsed on Saturday night due to strong winds, once again raising serious concerns over the structural integrity of these temporary installations and public safety.
Every year, the civic body erects green nets across key squares to provide shade to commuters during the scorching summer months. However, their repeated failure to withstand seasonal weather challenges has exposed the persistent shortcomings in NMC's approach.
Locals criticised the civic administration for not seeking a durable solution despite recurring issues. "Every year these structures are built, but the problems are the same," said Ayushi Chaurasia, a commuter while speaking to TOI.
She added it was sheer luck that the fallen net did not injure any motorists, warning that an accident involving vehicles could have fatal consequences.
The collapse at GPO Square caused significant traffic disruptions, with the sagging net obstructing the movement of larger vehicles like buses and trucks. Drivers were forced to navigate cautiously under the drooping net, adding to the risk of accidents amid the already challenging summer traffic.
Earlier, TOI reported how these green nets also block CCTV cameras installed across the city, hampering traffic monitoring and management efforts. The latest collapse has only compounded these problems, raising fears that traffic chaos could worsen in the coming weeks.
NMC officials have in the past defended the use of temporary structures, citing high costs as a hurdle for implementing permanent solutions. However, the latest incident has intensified public demand for either stronger, safer installations or a complete rethink of the strategy.
Efforts to contact officials from NMC's traffic department for a response on immediate measures or repair plans proved futile.
The recurring incidents highlight a major challenge before the NMC — ensuring the safety of commuters while effectively managing seasonal needs without compromising public infrastructure.