Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 20: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Civil Society Tral highlighting poor condition of roads, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed and Justice Alok Aradhe has issued certain directions to Public Works Department.
When the PIL came-up for hearing, Division Bench observed, “regarding the road from Srinagar to Qazigund, the Court Commissioner has pointed out that at a number of spots between Srinagar to Galander there are pot holes and the road is un-even in patches”, adding “the Court Commissioner has also pointed out lack of coordination between the various authorities in maintenance of the road”.
Accordingly, Division Bench directed that the PWD should draw up a plan so that the same is followed in every instance where roads need to be dug up for utility services or for other reasons. “This plan should be for the better coordination between the PWD (R&B) and other departments so that whatever work needs to be done, it is done prior to the laying of roads”, the DB added.
“We have also been informed that certain high tension wires are causing an impediment in the progress of the work insofar as the NHAI is concerned. That matter also needs to be addressed. The respondents shall specifically point out the places to the PWD (R&B), who shall try to resolve the issue at the earliest”, the DB said.
Regarding road from Srinagar to Sonamarg, Division Bench examined the status report submitted by the Court Commissioner. “The response to the same be submitted on behalf of PWD (R&B) and BRO. The Court Commissioner has also complained that officers of the BRO are not cooperating”, the DB observed and directed that an affidavit be submitted on behalf of the BRO as to why they were not cooperating.
Regarding road from Sumbal to Bandipora, Division Bench observed, “the Court Commissioner has submitted that although he had contacted Showkat Choudhary, the Public Law Officer for PWD (R&B) but despite his best efforts, he could not arrange a visit of the Court Commissioner along with the officers of PWD (R&B)”.
Accordingly, DB directed Chief Engineer PWD(R&B) to submit an affidavit, explaining as to why this has happened despite the court orders. “We get the impression that the officers of the PWD(R&B) are not cooperating because they are preventing the correct status to be presented before this court”, the DB added while asking Chief Engineer to file an affidavit and try to dispel this impression.
Regarding road from Srinagar to Sopore, Division Bench directed all the concerned agencies to submit a response to the Court Commissioner’s report and wherever action is necessary the same shall be taken up immediately, such as filling of the pot holes and other ditches. The work done shall be demonstrated through photographic evidence.
About road from Awantipora to Tral, Division Bench observed, “it appears that this segment of the road is in relatively better condition than the other roads. However, certain deficiencies have been pointed out such as the slow pace of road widening”. The DB directed the PWD to file a response to this report.
About the complaint regarding non-cooperation, Divison Bench said, “if we hear this complaint once again on the next date of hearing we will be constrained to issue contempt notices”.
Regarding road from Lal Chowk to Galander, Division Bench directed the Chief Engineer, PWD to take particular care of this section, which was reportedly in a bad condition. “A detailed status report be submitted, indicating the action taken, along with photographic evidence before the next date of hearing”, the DB directed.
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