DB directive to Div Comm in PIL against unplanned digging

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 17: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against unplanned digging and frequent traffic jams in Jammu, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Tashi Rabstan today issued direction to the Divisional Commissioner regarding approximate period of time for which the black topping on the roads is to last.
After hearing Advocate Abhinav Sharma and Advocate Meenakshi Salathia appearing for the PIL, DB observed, “in response to the directions issued by this court in order dated April 3, 2014, the Divisional Commissioner has filed status report, which states that in terms of the report submitted by NBCC, the average carpet thickness of the black topping as per contract is 25 mm and the actual thickness at site is also the same”.
“The claim made by the Divisional Commissioner has been controverted by the intervener by swearing an affidavit that on the ground the thickness of the road is not 25 mm and the same ranges between 10mm to 15 mm. The deponent has claimed that it may be verified through the Court Commissioner”, the DB said.
“There is no reply given with regard to the approximate period of time for which the black topping was to last”, the DB said and directed Divisional Commissioner to file reply to the issue as well before the next date of hearing.
Division Bench also appointed B L Sharma, Executive Engineer (Retired) as Court Commissioner, who may assist the court in finding out the thickness of the black topping which is claimed to be 20 to 25 mm or different thickness on the main roads and internal lanes.