Nagpur: The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court on Wednesday reprimanded various road-owning authorities holding them accountable for failure to restore dug-up roads.
The High Court directed the Nagpur Traffic Police to compile and submit detailed information regarding accidents attributable to poor condition of roads in the city. The report must include data on fatalities, injuries, and property damage resulting from the accidents.
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The High Court observed rampant digging of roads across the city as per their whims and fancies, which has led to a major inconvenience to citizens and commuters alike. Lack of coordination between various agencies has exacerbated the situation, with roads often left unrepaired after development projects are completed.
During a hearing presided over by Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Abhay Mantri, the High Court noted the deteriorating condition of roads due to haphazard excavation works conducted by multiple agencies without proper planning or coordination. The court observed that each organisation appears to be working independently which led to a chaotic situation in the city.
In response to the ongoing criminal Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding poor road conditions, the High Court has directed all agencies concerned, including Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), Public Works Department (PWD), and Maha Metro, to convene a joint meeting to address the issue urgently.
The court has mandated that a comprehensive report outlining solutions be submitted by August 5. The High Court has instructed the administration to form a dedicated nodal agency to handle complaints related to road works conducted by various development organisations in Nagpur. The agency will serve as a central point for citizens to report grievances regarding road conditions and monitor the execution of repair and maintenance works.
GP Devendra Chavan informed the court that several private companies have been involved in road excavation without ensuring proper restoration afterward. In response, the court has instructed the NMC to furnish a list of companies authorised for excavation.
Raheel Mirza was appointed as the amicus curiae. The HC highlighted the necessity of appointing a nodal officer to oversee coordination, particularly in the maintenance of traffic lights, water supply, and the laying down of pipelines and power lines. The hearing was adjourned until August 5, with the court seeking a comprehensive statistical report from the Commissioner of Police on accidents caused by poor road conditions, including injuries and deaths.
Adv S P Joshi represented the petitioner, Adv Sudhir Puranik for NMC, Adv Girish Kunte for NIT while APP Deepak Thakre for the State.
